Learn how to make this easy DIY kids’ play tent that will be a perfect hideout all summer long! No sewing skills needed!
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hobby Lobby. All opinions are 100% mine.
There’s just something about a magical hideaway that sparks a kid’s imagination. Tents, canopies, forts, and teepees all make for special hideouts, and really only require some basic supplies like sheets and rope to put together. But if you’d like something easier and ready for instant play, try putting together a DIY Kids’ tie-dye Play Tent — No Sewing Required!
Kiddos will be thrilled to hang out and read or play or even nap inside their new tie-dyed fort!
Supplies to make DIY Kids Play Canopy Tent (No Sew!)
I purchased everything at Hobby Lobby! One-stop shopping! Even down to the cute pillows I added inside!
- metal hoop- found in the macrame (You can also use an embroidery hoop or a hula hoop)
- Shower curtain
- Shower curtain rings
- Ribbon
- Tie Dye
The metal hoop we used was 10 inches, but you can use a smaller one or a larger one. The larger one will make it more of a tube versus more of a tent look.
We used one shower curtain, but if you want the fort to completely enclose around you, you might want to use two shower curtains.
The tie-dye part is optional, but a fun way to personalize your fort! Kids will love helping out to create something unique. Hobby Lobby had lots of tie-dye kits with colors that go great together!
How to DIY your own play canopy!
This tutorial is super easy, mostly because it’s no-sew!
The part that takes the longest is the tie dye! Luckily, the kit I bought had all the supplies, the full instructions, plus different techniques (with pictures) so you can easily pick out what you want your end result to be!
How to tie dye:
I’m going to walk you through what I did- but follow the instructions on the tie dye kit you have, because each dye might vary!
Lay out a plastic tablecloth to protect your space. I also put a cookie sheet with a metal drying rack on it to keep the fabric up out of any excess dye.
Pick out what technique you want to try. I’ve tried the ice dying and loved the result. But this time I just wanted to do stripes around the bottom.
How to tie dye step 1:
Tie off with rubber bands. (Don’t worry! They are included in the kit). I created some pleat folds in my fabric and then secured it with the rubber bands every 3 inches or so.
How to tie dye step 2:
This tie-dye is pretty great since it’s a one-step process. Just add water! Add water to the line on the bottle and shake to mix. I laid out all the colors I wanted to use and mixed them so they were ready to go!
How to tie dye step 3:
Add your color. I think the color absorbs better when the fabric is a little damp. So you can spritz over with a water bottle first, or just go right in and add color! You might think you’re adding too much color, and I did – and I still had a lot of white space leftover! So saturate it pretty well!
Wear gloves! I had yellow fingers for a good day and a half!
How to tie dye step 4:
Flip over and add color on the back! The back gets overlooked but I wanted the tent to look good from the inside and out! So saturate both sides!
How to tie-dye step 5
When you are finished with your dying process, wrap your project in plastic. I just used the tablecloth that I had lying underneath but you can put it in a grocery or garbage bag. Let the dye sit on the fabric for 6-8 hours. The longer you leave the dye on, the darker it will be so you can leave it on longer! I just followed the instructions on the package!
How to tie-dye step 6
Rinse! This is always my favorite part! The reveal is always a surprise. I just put the fabric in my sink and rinse it while I take out the rubber bands. Once the water runs pretty clear, I put it in my washer.
How to tie-dye step 7:
Wash and dry. I do not wash anything with the tie-dye project because I don’t want to bleed any dye on my clothes! So wash it separately! I just washed it according to the directions on the fabric.
How to tie-dye step 8:
REVEAL! It always looks so good but different then how I think it’s going to turn out! But it’s still one of my favorite crafts to make every summer!
Assemble the DIY Canopy
Once your shower curtain is all colorful with your dye, it’s time to assemble! Like I mentioned- super easy! Add some shower curtain hoops to your fabric and hook them onto the hoop.
I cut 4 pieces of ribbon about 2 1/2 – 3 feet long. I tie each one to a different quadrant of the hoop. Add a little hot glue to keep the ribbon from sliding around.
I had extra ribbon leftover and some tassels, so I decorated the top of my canopy tent- this part is totally optional but I love personalizing things!
Hang the canopy
Taking the ribbon, you can just tie it around the tree branch, a soffit, or add a hook on a porch. The ribbon makes it adjustable so you can hang it perfectly. If you have high tree branches, you might want a longer ribbon. (or even opt for a chain or rope!)
You want to hang it so that the bottom of the canopy is resting on the ground.
Fill with pillows and blankets
You will want to make the canopy all cozy for the kids to hang out in. I added a big fluffy towel (I also tie-dyed it because I wanted to see if you could dye a towel, and spoiler- you can! It worked great!) I also added some fun pillows. The ABC pillows are new at Hobby Lobby and I think they are so fun!
Enjoy your play tent
Crawl in, cuddle up and enjoy your fun shaded diy canopy! It makes a perfect playhouse for imaginative play!
VARIATIONS of the play tent:
- If you have a permanent spot in your yard, you could use a hook and chain to make hanging easier
- To make the tent completely enclosed, try using two shower curtains together.
- Play with it indoors! Add a hook in your ceiling to hold it permanently.
- Instead of a shower curtain, use a large flat sheet. You could have to use curtain hooks to hang it up.
Save this play tent for later
Too busy to get crafting today? No problem! Pin this post to remind yourself about this project later! Sharing my projects helps me reach more people, allowing me to continue sharing free content!
Other fun summer DIY projects to try
- Put together a mosaic planter
- Print out a summer bucket list
- Make a sun catcher
- Create a leaf print
- Braid a jellyfish bracelet
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Hobby Lobby. All opinions are 100% mine.
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