Updated August 2022
In my tween slumber party post, I briefly touched on the super easy DIY no sew tents I made. Since then, I’ve had so many people asking for step-by-step instructions. What a precious gift this would make all set up as a birthday surprise or next to the tree on Christmas, and the opportunities for play {and maybe even a little slumber!} are endless!
The best part of all? There is no sewing involved!
So here you have it, everything you need to create a DIY no sew tent…
Materials Needed ::
{3} 1 x 2’s – 8 ft. each
{1} 1/2″ diameter dowel – 4 ft. long
{2} rubber bands
3 yards of fabric – 48″ in width
1/2″ drill bit and drill
nail gun {optional} OR nails & hammer
Directions ::
1} Cut two of the 1×2’s in half. Now you will have 6 equal pieces.
2} Stack two 1×2’s on top of each other and drill a 1/2″ hole about 3″ down from the top all the way through both boards. Repeat for another set of two boards.
3} Place the dowels through the holes so that you have an inverted V frame. Leave about one inch of the dowel sticking out from both ends. Wrap a rubber band around the dowel to prevent it from slipping off the frame.
4} For the last 1×2, measure the length between the bases of the inverted V frames and cut 2 pieces at that length. Mine measured 46″, but yours could vary.
5} Attach these boards to the bottom of the frames and nail in place.
6} Open up your fabric and drape it over the middle dowel. Wrap the fabric around the bottom frame and use a regular stapler to staple it into the board. To prevent the fabric from drooping you will need another set of hands to help you pull the fabric taut. Have them hold on to it so that you can staple it into the board.
7} The tents will work best on carpet so that it doesn’t slip. Simply fold the frame to store away!
These tents can be a huge hit for slumber parties, movie nights and more!
This is a great idea. I love the idea that no sewing is involved, as I’m not too good with sewing. This looks like a great project for my kids and I to take on.
Same here! I try to stay away from the sewing machine if I can. My kids uses the tents for movie nights on the weekends now. It’s super fun.
Wow, these are just perfect! We don’t have a lot of extra space around here so there’s not really anywhere that we could have a tent set up 24/7, so the fact that these fold up flat so I can store them away in a closet or something is just awesome.
Thanks Tiffany! Let me know how it goes for you and or if you have any advice you would like to share with us after making them. 🙂 I love them and my daughter is using them again this year for another sleepover with her friends.
I’m not a fabric guy so is 9yrds of fabric just for one tent?
Hello. 3 yards of fabric is for 1 tent. 9yds would make 3 tents.
How much would you say you spent on all the supplies for 3 tents?
Do you know what size sleeping mat would fit in these? My daughter is having a sleepover with (8) girls total and I need a way for them to be able to sleep in these.
Probably a twin air mattress would work in the tents.
Are these a good size for 10 yr olds? My daughter wants a sleepover with 6 of her friends and she’s turning 10 next month. Was just curious if they would probably sleep with their heads out? Lol
Looveee this!!! How wide is the inside floor? Would twin mattresses fit in between?