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Modified Diamond Shelter
I cannot take credit for this design,but it is one which I like very much.It is created by using the basic diamond shelter design and adding "wings" to the front leading edges.This allows more shelter in the front of the tent from the weather,and more room for your gear.A small fire built just outside of the tent makes for a very comfortable camp.And a plus is it does not add much weight to the diamond(less than 2lbs).
Modified Diamond Shelter Layout
This "spread out" view of the diamond should give you the basic construction technique.The diagram is for a 9x9,but it could just as easily be a 10x10 or a 12x12.Whatever size you choose,just add the appropriate sized wings.
Optional,But Highly Recommended Pole Pocket
You can make your tent to be put up with merely a long pole running up the backbone and hooked in a tree crotch,but this pocket gives the diamond more versatility.If I'm going to a weekend or longer shoot I carry a poplar pole and upright which has been peeled and coated with linseed oil.One end of the longer pole goes into the pocket and the upright is lashed to it to hold the tent up.I drilled two 3/8" holes in the upright,and glued dowels into the holes.I use these to lash the upright to the longer pole with a piece of leather.I also cut the longer pole in half and drilled both halves with a 5/8" spade bit.I inserted a piece of 5/8 tubing into one halve.This allows a slip joint,which allows me to break the long pole into smaller pieces for carrying in my pickup truck.If you have it ,line the pocket with leather for durability,and whittle the ends of all poles round to prevent wear.
Proper Sewing Techniques
For maximum strength all seams should be top stiched.This is the second strongest seam you can make.The strongest is a "French Seam",but it is too hard and complicated to make,especially for a beginner.A top stiched seam will serve our purpose very well.It is made by flat sewing the 2 pieces together,then flipping one piece over and stiching thru both pieces.
The Finished Modified Diamond Set Up
I recommend that you set the diamond up in the back yard,before putting the peg loops on the wings themselves.I discovered that by adding extra loops at strategic points I could get several different "set ups".If poles are not available you can also put it up by running a rope up the "backbone" of the tent and tying off to a tree
I am a marine textile fabricator by trade.This just means I sew boat canvas for a living.After 30 years of this I have strong opinions on proper canvas construction.What works on a $300,000 motor yacht,works just as well on your period shelter,and vice-versa.
I do not use cotton thread on my shelters.Sorry,but I've seen too many canvas jobs fall apart because of cotton thread.Yes,it isn't authentic,but neither is the Dry Finished Sunforger you are using.If you want cotton ,go ahead,but I use a UV treated polyester thread,#92 size.This stuff will last forever outside.Check around your area at canvas shops or trim shops who do boat covers.And don't take their word on it as to wether it is UV treated.Look on the bottom of the spool.It will be marked UV.If you can not find it,at least use a polyester thread such as Coats&Coats carpet thread.Available at all fabric stores.And be sure to use a needle sized to the thread,not the other way around.
Canvas The closest to authentic and best canvas you can buy is Sunforger by the Astrup Corp.(www.astrup.com)They have warehouses all over the country.Sunforger is available in several weights,but 10.10 oz is what you will want.This is a 100% cotton canvas,with a dry chemical finish.Under normal use it will NEVER need to be re-treated.You can try getting this canvas from area boat canvas shops,upholstery shops,or trim shops.They will not likely stock it,but will have to order it for you.I have seen this material being sold for as high as $15/yd.Too high! The standard industry mark-up on this material should put the price at about $6-$7/yd plus shipping.The diamond shelter above will use 10 yards.By the way,do not let anyone sell you a synthetic canvas even if it is the right color.COTTON ONLY If you can not find it where you are,email me and I will try to help you out.
Sewing Machines Your wife's sewing machine will sew this canvas.It is basically the same thing as the denim in your jeans.Just use the right needle and thread and take your time.Set the stitches per inch at 10/inch
Peg Loops You can make the peg loops out of the canvas itself,or buy some cotton webbing.I found a roll of it some years back at a flea market.You can also not use loops at all and use a musket ball tied in the canvas,like used on teepees.
Edge Finishing You can either turn and sew all edges or leave them raw.The choice is yours.I turn and sew them,but because of my trade,people expect it.
I hope this helps you in the construction of your shelter.If you have questions please feel free to ask.Email me at mailto:flinttim@seidata.com
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