So I want to make a tarp....

Here's my plan. I have 2, 5 yard sections of black ripstop from joann's. (I assume it is 1.9oz but have no way of knowing) I plan to make a tarp from this since I already have a hammock made out of the same thing.
I would like to have a pattern for a cat cut on the sides but have not been able to find one.

Anyone out there have a pattern or basic diagram for the cat cut?

After checking out Shug's videos I like the idea of having the doors on there for the cold months. I also plan to make a lighter/smaller one out of thinner material without doors for the summer.

Is the 1.9oz ripstop an OK fabric for a tarp? Is ripstop in general OK for tarp use since you want it to be water proof?

The 1.9oz ripstop fabric is most likely not waterproof, though it may have a water resistant coating of DWR. I don't think this would make a good tarp material, unless you just want to practice with it. Most folks build their tarps from 1.1 oz. silnylon (silicone coated nylon) or maybe even heavier polyurethane (PU) coated nylon for true waterproof-ness.

You can find silnylon many places, one of which is Quest Outfitters, though everyone has their favorite place to buy from.

good directions here http://www.teamgunnparker.com/blackc...k_Cat_Tarp.htm
make sure your material is silnylon and not just dwr nylon

I made my first tarp out of Wally Ripstop and water proofed it with that spray stuff.... It did keep me dry this past weekend but I don't know if I would trust it enough to go into the back country for a week. I did it more for practice than anything else until my fabrication skills improve I'll continue to use the cheap stuff, I camp out of a kayak alot and carry a back-up tarp in case of failure...

****. Sounds like i have a lot of stuff sack material laying around now :)

You can DIY some silicone into the material you have and waterproof it yourself. Some have had great results.

Read this thread
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=2011

Give it a shot, some do it themselves so they have better choice of colors.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by wirerat123

You can DIY some silicone into the material you have and waterproof it yourself. Some have had great results.

Read this thread
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=2011

Give it a shot, some do it themselves so they have better choice of colors.

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That's a great thread. I have some Walmart camo Ripstop I'm going to try this on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Lando

****. Sounds like i have a lot of stuff sack material laying around now :)

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Maybe a couple of backup hammocks for friends that get jealous on your next camping trip? After all can can one have too many hammocks?:lol:

The link posted above is an excellent pattern that a lot of people (including myself) have used. I highly recommend it.
silnylon is not absolutely required. Other waterproof materials will suffice but with a weight penalty. If this is your first tarp project I would suggest you proceed with the project. Best to make errors on Joanne ripstop than more expensive sil. If you don't like the results you can always cut it up for stuff sacks later.