How to make a Plains Indian tepee

Ever wondered how to make a tepee? Ever found yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere with no idea how to build yourself a dwelling space? Here are some useful instructions to print out and follow, found at ShelterPub.

(click to enlarge) 

(click to enlarge)

A few tips:

• 15 x 30 foot is a good size; any smaller and the tepee will be difficult to keep free of smoke. 
• Use eight-ounce canvas for the cover. 
• There is an extra strip of canvas at point C on the drawing; this will overlap with point D and will need to be secured with a buttonhole stitch or some metal grommets.
• A half-circle is cut at either end, so that when the tepee is drawn together a circular door-hole is formed. You can then make a door from a round piece of canvas and insert a willow stick to secure it. 
• Twelve or more poles are needed to erect the tepee. They should be at least three feet longer than the width of the cover. 
• You only need a small fire to warm the tepee. It is usually placed just behind the centre point, in a shallow hole about 15 inches in diameter.