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Lacing the Front

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15. UNFOLD THE TIPI COVER AROUND THE POLE STRUCTURE. With the back of the cover centered on the lift pole, the lacing pin strips should meet between the door pole and pole #1. If necessary, adjust the poles until the lacing pin strips are properly centered. Make certain that the smoke flaps are not folded under the cover. If the wind is blowing, aim the back of the tipi into the wind - or if this is not possible, get enough helpers to hold the fabric against the poles as you unfold the cover. Otherwise, your tipi cover may blow away. Remember that there is more canvas in an average tipi cover than is used to move a large sailboat.

16. TIE THE FRONT AND INSERT THE LACING PINS. You will note that ties are provided (on Reese Tipis) at the top of the lacing pin strip, inside and out. Find something to stand on and tie these ties just as you would tie your shoe - with an overhand knot and a bowknot. You will also note that the lacing pin holes in the two sides are not the same distance apart. The side with the widest spacing should be on top. This allows the holes to line up properly when the lacing pins are inserted. Stand facing the tipi to insert the lacing pins. Start at the top and work down. You can lash a short pole across the door poles to stand on, or you can stand on a stool or ladder to tie the ties and insert the lacing pins - or you can stand on someone's shoulders. The ends of the lacing pins should be rounded or blunt so as not to puncture the fabric in the event of a slip.