The Wigwam is the home of the Indians, a group of indigenous peoples of the Americas. This is one of the symbols of the past era of these continents and life in the wild. The Indian tent is often found in films, cartoons and animated series in the role of a beautiful scenery. There is nothing strange in the interest of children in such facilities. In the tents you can relax, play and stack toys. The manufacturing technology of the wigwam, however, is also used for more serious purposes. For Indians, a tent is a proven method of protection against the cold. For the same reason, they are useful in long trips through the expanses of forests and mountains. The usual wigwam is based on a solid frame made of tree trunks and a warm roof. The design for children is easy to do with your own hands. However, if there is no desire to spend time on this, you can choose among ready-made store options.
The history of the wigwam begins long before the Europeans came to the American mainland and even before the emergence of strong Mayan empires, Incas and Aztecs. The technology for building a home varied depending on the climate: the Indians inhabited all of America, both North and South - from the polar regions to the equator. There were also other varieties of traditional Native American housing such as Wikipedia and tipi. Based on the execution technique, the lodge can be characterized as a dome-shaped hut. They reached large sizes and were intended for up to 30 people. The base of the house was assembled from thin flexible branches. It was covered with large or small fragments of tree bark. For these purposes, the Indians used elm and birch. The structure was also covered with reeds, grass, corn leaves. The top layer was sometimes pressed with another frame, the outer one.
Advantages and disadvantages of DIY manufacturing
The process of making a wigwam is an interesting and informative activity, in which you can attract children. An important part of the process is the search for the necessary supports - beams of a certain thickness and section. It is almost impossible to achieve the desired shape at home, so it is better to look for sticks in the store. However, in everything else - the advantage is precisely behind homemade tents. To make a coating, it is enough to have basic skills in cutting and sewing.The fastening process is essentially the same as assembling parts of the finished product. This part of the work will interest children. On various sites there are many original options for ready-made wigwams. These same ideas can be combined with your own ideas and make something unusual and unlike other products. You only need to find quality materials with interesting colors.
Design Options
Wigwam can be done both on a camping trip and at home for children. In the first case, the structure must withstand the effects of wind. In the second, a variety of geometric design options are possible. Children's wigwams come with one or two peaks, less often with three or four peaks. In the double-top variant, one pair of sidewalls will be rectangular and the other triangular. One of the triangular sides must be made an entrance. The bottom will come out rectangular. If the tent has one peak, the base is made with 3-8 or more sides, but a round version is also possible. Entrance to the wigwam is done mainly in the form of curtains. They are fixed with ties or Velcro. The upper part of the front side of the tent can be made deaf, leaving the entrance at the level of growth of a 5-year-old child. Tents are sometimes decorated with windows. The wigwam configuration is also wide and high.
What to make - a variety of materials
The wigwam house is assembled using the following materials:
sticks;
lining fabrics;
decorative fabrics for decoration;
oilcloth;
pillows (on the mat).
First of all, a stable frame is assembled. At the top, the sticks are fixed with ropes, at the bottom, you will need to use fasteners (unless special holes are provided). Wigwam pipes are made of wood or polymers. Awning for a children's tent should be bright and interesting. The choice of material is almost unlimited, but not too thick will fit. For wigwams of various purposes, materials such as Teflon with cotton, raincoat fabric, Tafetta and Oxford are useful.The first is a canvas with a lower layer of Teflon. Raincoat fabric repels moisture - a great solution for children's tents. Tafetta is characterized by water resistance, wear resistance and resistance to the formation of traces of traces of fat. Oxford material has a hydrophobic coating of polyurethane or PVC, there is also an option with nylon - it is more flexible and stronger.
Materials for the frame
In a children's wigwam, the base for the platform and walls is most often made of wooden poles. Linden (smooth, polished) will perfectly cope with the role of material. You can also use other classic options - pine or oak, and bamboo sticks are considered an interesting alternative. Other raw materials, for example, plastic, PVC, will also be suitable for creating the frame. Pipes made of these materials must be hollow. This is a very good option, since the safety of the design for children will be many times higher. For the same purpose, you can use sticks with a circular cross section. If the house has wide bars with a square profile, they can be rounded on a lathe - it will turn out cheaper than with the purchase of finished sticks. If we are talking about a tent on a camping trip, then thick untreated branches will come in handy. They are best purchased in specialized stores, because to collect a sufficient number of trunks alone will not work.
Choosing fabric for walls
The material for the awning and rug is selected at your discretion. If the child is not yet 5 years old, then the canopy is better to sew from translucent materials. Tents are performed not only in Native American style. Oriental-style housing is decorated with fine silk and transparent organza. If the wigwam is intended for a little girl, it is better to make the walls of light “air” chiffon. Thanks to the tent made of dense canvas material, the situation is as close as possible to the conditions of the Wild West. Boys will be able to play cowboys and Indians.To build a wigwam, you can use fabrics such as velveteen, satin, canvas, flannel, batik, muslin and knitwear, as well as materials that imitate animal skins. Application for tailoring old curtains, tulles and wraps is also a good way to save money. Preference is given to variegated colors:
striped;
with small frequently repeated patterns;
dotted;
combined;
in the style of patchwork.
You should buy fabrics that pass air well.
Do-it-yourself wigwam made of wooden bars and fabric
To make a wigwam with your own hands, you will need to follow these steps:
Select materials and assemble the necessary tools.
Assemble and securely install the frame.
Engage in fabric cutting and choose a skinny option.
Hang the awning on the frame.
Make out the entrance.
The first thing you need to get tools. To do this, you must also choose the material for the frame and fabric for lining. Almost any matter is suitable, the main thing is a beautiful and distinct color. The base can be made of linden, pine or bamboo sticks, or plastic pipes. You will also need a rope, scissors, and in some cases a drill or glue. The frame can be mounted in several ways. It is assembled at the top with holes and rope or only with the lace itself. In this case, the frame can be attached to the lower part of the fastened slats, repeating the outline of the bottom of the tent. Next, the canvas is prepared. You will need to cut out a shape that is ideal for the specific configuration of the wigwam. Then you need to decide whether to leave the edges raw or stitch them. After that, the tent is put on the base and the necessary fittings are installed.
Materials and Tools
For the frame structure you will need wooden sticks with a thickness of 2-4 cm and a length of 2 meters. However, it is worth considering the option with bamboo rails - they are durable and pleasant to look at. The second component is a strong rope, preferably twine.Of the tools you need a tape measure and a drill, although instead of fasteners, you can use a strong thick rubber band. To make an awning, you should take a piece of canvas with a length of at least 3 m and a width of about 1.2-1.5 m. It is better to choose a dense natural fabric. It will take a certain number of strips from 30 cm each (ribbons, braid, cords). A needle with a thread matching the color of the main fabric is also needed. To process the edges of the fabric material, you will need an iron with a special tape or a sewing machine. You can do without facing the edges. To create the "doors" are used eyelets, laces, rivets, buttons, etc. Also need pins and a pencil.
Assembly and installation of the frame
The top of the base is mounted in several ways. In the first case, the ends of the poles come together and are tightly tied with twine or other strong rope. In this case, from the top to the place of attachment it should be 10-25 cm. Then we place the sticks in different directions with a large amplitude and the same gap between the lower ends of the different rails. We make one of the spans wider. After that, we check the reliability of the structure - it must independently maintain a vertical position on the ground and the shape at the top. The top of the frame is recommended to be attached to the "foundation" base. There is another method of assembling the top. To do this, drill through holes 10-25 cm below the top edge of the sticks. Then we pass the twine into them and draw through each bar. Then the sticks are tightly bound by this rope and widely spread apart.
Cut fabric for a canopy
The next step is the preparation of the canopy. Place the fabric on the floor and fold in half. You should get a square of about 1.5 × 1.5 m. Next, make sure that the fold is located on the left edge of the square. Then we fold it diagonally, superimposing on each other 2 opposite angles. Now we have a triangle. Next, we start cutting.First, the markup is drawn: draw an arc from the base of the figure (in its role is the fold line) to one of its sides. We maintain a 5-centimeter distance from the end of the canvas. After that, draw another arc, 8 cm from the corner. Then we cut the fabric along the lines and put it on the floor. You should get a figure remotely resembling a rainbow. To a greater extent, it will look like a protractor. After that, we impose an awning on the frame with the front side inward and connect the edges with pins. We mark the points where the canvas is in contact with the slats at a level of 20 cm from the floor. Then we remove the fabric from the structure and at the marks we sew ribbons or pieces of already used rope (30 cm each).
Next steps:
Bend the edges twice.
Stitch them.
Alternatively, you can glue the edges with an iron and special tape.
If the tent needs to be done in a casual style, then fabric sections are not processed.
Wigwum skin and methods of "fastener"
Now it remains only to connect the edges of the awning. One of the methods involves the installation of eyelets that need to be laced. Various buttons with loops, buttons or ribbons are also used. After installing the fixation elements, we cover the tent with the lodge and fasten the upper part of the “entrance”. We wrap free floors so that they maintain this position. "Doors" can be fixed with braid or Velcro. Another tightening method does not require sewing. It will be necessary to bend the fabric to a width at which it hangs to the floor on the side faces of the wigwam, and does not reach 10-15 cm from the top where the sticks cross. Then we put the canvas on the racks. The upper edge of the fit is marked with a pencil (on the planks, not on the fabric), then we remove the matter. Lubricate the poles from the marking and down by 15-20 cm with glue. We attach the fabric, press and wait until the glue dries. At the end, we form a convenient entrance, for example, using ropes or braid.
Decorating Ideas
It is necessary to organically fit the lodge into the interior of the room, and at the same time take into account the child's preferences regarding the decor. The most common decoration option is to decorate the upper ends of the planks with flags. In addition to them, you can also decorate the upper perimeter of the tent. Feathers are used as an alternative to flags. Various figures are sewn onto the tent, painted with horns, arrows and other elements of Native American theme. If the tent is intended for a little girl, then ruffles are used as a decor. Another worthy solution is a garland, and such an option will be relevant not only for the New Year, but also at any time as a decorative illumination. Inside the wigwam is decorated with pillows of various shapes and colors. The tent in the form of a hut will be interesting to look in the interior of the room.
What to lay on the floor in the house
A child in a wigwam should be comfortable in any position, lying or sitting, and for a long time. The floor in the house should be covered with a soft mattress, with a blanket and pillows: the baby will sometimes fall asleep there. If the tent frame has a lower part, then it is necessary to sheathe it with soft material. In any case, a rug or mattress is placed on top. It can also be done with your own hands, for example, from the remnants of tissues or various flaps. In tents, options from one segment or several flat squares are most often used. To make the child soft and comfortable, it is better to make a rug from many small cubes. Such a product is also called Bombon. Outwardly, it resembles a blanket. The Bombon mattress is made of several fabrics of different colors. For tents of a non-standard configuration, it is better to sew more comfortable mats corresponding to their shape.
How to sew a Bombon mat / mattress - step by step instructions
First of all, you need to get fabrics of several different colors. Then we cut out one square of the desired size. From the figure 17 × 17 cm in the final form, a cell 10 × 10 cm will be obtained.So, from several different fabrics, we cut out the number of squares needed to create one line. Sew fragments into a strip, iron the seams to the right. We make the next line as different as possible from the previous one. This time, the seams are smoothed to the left. Next, the rows of squares are connected. The lower parts of the square elements are made with parameters of 11 × 11 cm. Between each row you need 1 cm of allowance, and from the sides - 4-5 to make a edging for the subsequent decoration of the rug. When it is ready, each square fragment is filled with stuffing through the cuts left below. The latter are then carefully sewn up. This mat can simultaneously serve as a mattress.
Conclusion
In the modern sense, wigwam is not only Indians' accommodation and an option of spending the night on a camping trip, but also a full-fledged element of the interior of a children's room. For children under the age of 5-6 years, a tent is a place for fun, games and relaxation. Decorative wigwams are usually decorated in the classic Indian style or in the spirit of the Wild West. The tent can be made independently. To do this, collect materials for the frame and buy a beautiful fabric for lining. The sticks are fastened with ropes, but for greater reliability, it is better to drill holes additionally. Then the design is wrapped with a fragment cut from the canvas. Fixing is done by connecting the opposite floors with laces or with glue. Inside the wigwam for the child you need to install a soft mat mat. It is better to decorate a house in a traditional style, using decor that is interesting for a child.
The Wigwam is the home of the Indians, a group of indigenous peoples of the Americas. This is one of the symbols of the past era of these continents and life in the wild. The Indian tent is often found in films, cartoons and animated series in the role of a beautiful scenery. There is nothing strange in the interest of children in such facilities. In the tents you can relax, play and stack toys. The manufacturing technology of the wigwam, however, is also used for more serious purposes. For Indians, a tent is a proven method of protection against the cold. For the same reason, they are useful in long trips through the expanses of forests and mountains. The usual wigwam is based on a solid frame made of tree trunks and a warm roof. The design for children is easy to do with your own hands. However, if there is no desire to spend time on this, you can choose among ready-made store options.
Content
About the Wigwam - History of Origin and Features
The history of the wigwam begins long before the Europeans came to the American mainland and even before the emergence of strong Mayan empires, Incas and Aztecs. The technology for building a home varied depending on the climate: the Indians inhabited all of America, both North and South - from the polar regions to the equator. There were also other varieties of traditional Native American housing such as Wikipedia and tipi. Based on the execution technique, the lodge can be characterized as a dome-shaped hut. They reached large sizes and were intended for up to 30 people. The base of the house was assembled from thin flexible branches. It was covered with large or small fragments of tree bark. For these purposes, the Indians used elm and birch. The structure was also covered with reeds, grass, corn leaves. The top layer was sometimes pressed with another frame, the outer one.
Advantages and disadvantages of DIY manufacturing
The process of making a wigwam is an interesting and informative activity, in which you can attract children. An important part of the process is the search for the necessary supports - beams of a certain thickness and section. It is almost impossible to achieve the desired shape at home, so it is better to look for sticks in the store. However, in everything else - the advantage is precisely behind homemade tents. To make a coating, it is enough to have basic skills in cutting and sewing.The fastening process is essentially the same as assembling parts of the finished product. This part of the work will interest children. On various sites there are many original options for ready-made wigwams. These same ideas can be combined with your own ideas and make something unusual and unlike other products. You only need to find quality materials with interesting colors.
Design Options
Wigwam can be done both on a camping trip and at home for children. In the first case, the structure must withstand the effects of wind. In the second, a variety of geometric design options are possible. Children's wigwams come with one or two peaks, less often with three or four peaks. In the double-top variant, one pair of sidewalls will be rectangular and the other triangular. One of the triangular sides must be made an entrance. The bottom will come out rectangular. If the tent has one peak, the base is made with 3-8 or more sides, but a round version is also possible. Entrance to the wigwam is done mainly in the form of curtains. They are fixed with ties or Velcro. The upper part of the front side of the tent can be made deaf, leaving the entrance at the level of growth of a 5-year-old child. Tents are sometimes decorated with windows. The wigwam configuration is also wide and high.
What to make - a variety of materials
The wigwam house is assembled using the following materials:
First of all, a stable frame is assembled. At the top, the sticks are fixed with ropes, at the bottom, you will need to use fasteners (unless special holes are provided). Wigwam pipes are made of wood or polymers. Awning for a children's tent should be bright and interesting. The choice of material is almost unlimited, but not too thick will fit. For wigwams of various purposes, materials such as Teflon with cotton, raincoat fabric, Tafetta and Oxford are useful.The first is a canvas with a lower layer of Teflon. Raincoat fabric repels moisture - a great solution for children's tents. Tafetta is characterized by water resistance, wear resistance and resistance to the formation of traces of traces of fat. Oxford material has a hydrophobic coating of polyurethane or PVC, there is also an option with nylon - it is more flexible and stronger.
Materials for the frame
In a children's wigwam, the base for the platform and walls is most often made of wooden poles. Linden (smooth, polished) will perfectly cope with the role of material. You can also use other classic options - pine or oak, and bamboo sticks are considered an interesting alternative. Other raw materials, for example, plastic, PVC, will also be suitable for creating the frame. Pipes made of these materials must be hollow. This is a very good option, since the safety of the design for children will be many times higher. For the same purpose, you can use sticks with a circular cross section. If the house has wide bars with a square profile, they can be rounded on a lathe - it will turn out cheaper than with the purchase of finished sticks. If we are talking about a tent on a camping trip, then thick untreated branches will come in handy. They are best purchased in specialized stores, because to collect a sufficient number of trunks alone will not work.
Choosing fabric for walls
The material for the awning and rug is selected at your discretion. If the child is not yet 5 years old, then the canopy is better to sew from translucent materials. Tents are performed not only in Native American style. Oriental-style housing is decorated with fine silk and transparent organza. If the wigwam is intended for a little girl, it is better to make the walls of light “air” chiffon. Thanks to the tent made of dense canvas material, the situation is as close as possible to the conditions of the Wild West. Boys will be able to play cowboys and Indians.To build a wigwam, you can use fabrics such as velveteen, satin, canvas, flannel, batik, muslin and knitwear, as well as materials that imitate animal skins. Application for tailoring old curtains, tulles and wraps is also a good way to save money. Preference is given to variegated colors:
Do-it-yourself wigwam made of wooden bars and fabric
To make a wigwam with your own hands, you will need to follow these steps:
The first thing you need to get tools. To do this, you must also choose the material for the frame and fabric for lining. Almost any matter is suitable, the main thing is a beautiful and distinct color. The base can be made of linden, pine or bamboo sticks, or plastic pipes. You will also need a rope, scissors, and in some cases a drill or glue. The frame can be mounted in several ways. It is assembled at the top with holes and rope or only with the lace itself. In this case, the frame can be attached to the lower part of the fastened slats, repeating the outline of the bottom of the tent. Next, the canvas is prepared. You will need to cut out a shape that is ideal for the specific configuration of the wigwam. Then you need to decide whether to leave the edges raw or stitch them. After that, the tent is put on the base and the necessary fittings are installed.
Materials and Tools
For the frame structure you will need wooden sticks with a thickness of 2-4 cm and a length of 2 meters. However, it is worth considering the option with bamboo rails - they are durable and pleasant to look at. The second component is a strong rope, preferably twine.Of the tools you need a tape measure and a drill, although instead of fasteners, you can use a strong thick rubber band. To make an awning, you should take a piece of canvas with a length of at least 3 m and a width of about 1.2-1.5 m. It is better to choose a dense natural fabric. It will take a certain number of strips from 30 cm each (ribbons, braid, cords). A needle with a thread matching the color of the main fabric is also needed. To process the edges of the fabric material, you will need an iron with a special tape or a sewing machine. You can do without facing the edges. To create the "doors" are used eyelets, laces, rivets, buttons, etc. Also need pins and a pencil.
Assembly and installation of the frame
The top of the base is mounted in several ways. In the first case, the ends of the poles come together and are tightly tied with twine or other strong rope. In this case, from the top to the place of attachment it should be 10-25 cm. Then we place the sticks in different directions with a large amplitude and the same gap between the lower ends of the different rails. We make one of the spans wider. After that, we check the reliability of the structure - it must independently maintain a vertical position on the ground and the shape at the top. The top of the frame is recommended to be attached to the "foundation" base. There is another method of assembling the top. To do this, drill through holes 10-25 cm below the top edge of the sticks. Then we pass the twine into them and draw through each bar. Then the sticks are tightly bound by this rope and widely spread apart.
Cut fabric for a canopy
The next step is the preparation of the canopy. Place the fabric on the floor and fold in half. You should get a square of about 1.5 × 1.5 m. Next, make sure that the fold is located on the left edge of the square. Then we fold it diagonally, superimposing on each other 2 opposite angles. Now we have a triangle. Next, we start cutting.First, the markup is drawn: draw an arc from the base of the figure (in its role is the fold line) to one of its sides. We maintain a 5-centimeter distance from the end of the canvas. After that, draw another arc, 8 cm from the corner. Then we cut the fabric along the lines and put it on the floor. You should get a figure remotely resembling a rainbow. To a greater extent, it will look like a protractor. After that, we impose an awning on the frame with the front side inward and connect the edges with pins. We mark the points where the canvas is in contact with the slats at a level of 20 cm from the floor. Then we remove the fabric from the structure and at the marks we sew ribbons or pieces of already used rope (30 cm each).
Next steps:
Wigwum skin and methods of "fastener"
Now it remains only to connect the edges of the awning. One of the methods involves the installation of eyelets that need to be laced. Various buttons with loops, buttons or ribbons are also used. After installing the fixation elements, we cover the tent with the lodge and fasten the upper part of the “entrance”. We wrap free floors so that they maintain this position. "Doors" can be fixed with braid or Velcro. Another tightening method does not require sewing. It will be necessary to bend the fabric to a width at which it hangs to the floor on the side faces of the wigwam, and does not reach 10-15 cm from the top where the sticks cross. Then we put the canvas on the racks. The upper edge of the fit is marked with a pencil (on the planks, not on the fabric), then we remove the matter. Lubricate the poles from the marking and down by 15-20 cm with glue. We attach the fabric, press and wait until the glue dries. At the end, we form a convenient entrance, for example, using ropes or braid.
Decorating Ideas
It is necessary to organically fit the lodge into the interior of the room, and at the same time take into account the child's preferences regarding the decor. The most common decoration option is to decorate the upper ends of the planks with flags. In addition to them, you can also decorate the upper perimeter of the tent. Feathers are used as an alternative to flags. Various figures are sewn onto the tent, painted with horns, arrows and other elements of Native American theme. If the tent is intended for a little girl, then ruffles are used as a decor. Another worthy solution is a garland, and such an option will be relevant not only for the New Year, but also at any time as a decorative illumination. Inside the wigwam is decorated with pillows of various shapes and colors. The tent in the form of a hut will be interesting to look in the interior of the room.
What to lay on the floor in the house
A child in a wigwam should be comfortable in any position, lying or sitting, and for a long time. The floor in the house should be covered with a soft mattress, with a blanket and pillows: the baby will sometimes fall asleep there. If the tent frame has a lower part, then it is necessary to sheathe it with soft material. In any case, a rug or mattress is placed on top. It can also be done with your own hands, for example, from the remnants of tissues or various flaps. In tents, options from one segment or several flat squares are most often used. To make the child soft and comfortable, it is better to make a rug from many small cubes. Such a product is also called Bombon. Outwardly, it resembles a blanket. The Bombon mattress is made of several fabrics of different colors. For tents of a non-standard configuration, it is better to sew more comfortable mats corresponding to their shape.
How to sew a Bombon mat / mattress - step by step instructions
First of all, you need to get fabrics of several different colors. Then we cut out one square of the desired size. From the figure 17 × 17 cm in the final form, a cell 10 × 10 cm will be obtained.So, from several different fabrics, we cut out the number of squares needed to create one line. Sew fragments into a strip, iron the seams to the right. We make the next line as different as possible from the previous one. This time, the seams are smoothed to the left. Next, the rows of squares are connected. The lower parts of the square elements are made with parameters of 11 × 11 cm. Between each row you need 1 cm of allowance, and from the sides - 4-5 to make a edging for the subsequent decoration of the rug. When it is ready, each square fragment is filled with stuffing through the cuts left below. The latter are then carefully sewn up. This mat can simultaneously serve as a mattress.
Conclusion
In the modern sense, wigwam is not only Indians' accommodation and an option of spending the night on a camping trip, but also a full-fledged element of the interior of a children's room. For children under the age of 5-6 years, a tent is a place for fun, games and relaxation. Decorative wigwams are usually decorated in the classic Indian style or in the spirit of the Wild West. The tent can be made independently. To do this, collect materials for the frame and buy a beautiful fabric for lining. The sticks are fastened with ropes, but for greater reliability, it is better to drill holes additionally. Then the design is wrapped with a fragment cut from the canvas. Fixing is done by connecting the opposite floors with laces or with glue. Inside the wigwam for the child you need to install a soft mat mat. It is better to decorate a house in a traditional style, using decor that is interesting for a child.