Alternative styles of reinforcement (Bonus of a ridge strength question!)

[Julius]

As I'm making the tarp out of 1.1 silnylon, would it be fragile in this area (the ridge line) when you pull it taught?

[Tacblades]

They say just tie outs into the hem line is strong enough, but i went for triangle reinforcement as they are strong and easy
MYOG 3x3m Tarp : Wild Camping: http://youtu.be/yaPmn7_xwnY

[Redoleary]

As I'm making the tarp out of 1.1 silnylon, would it be fragile in this area (the ridge line) when you pull it taught?

Nope, its tougher than you think. Take a small piece of scrap sil and sew some grosgrain to it on opposite ends then try to pull it apart, and don't use any reinforcement. Stand on one end, pull up on the other and pull as hard as you can. If you're strong enough to make it fail, which I am not, you'll find that it can take an amazing amount of force. Part of the secret of success here is spreading out the load with the grosgrain itself. If you look at my photos from the previous post you'll see the part of the grosgrain that is sewn down is large-ish. I think a good rule of thumb is to have the length of the sewn down portion be 3X the width of the grosgrain, at a minimum 2X but 3X would be better.

Part of the strength is derived from the pattern with which you sew it as well. I copy the pattern off the fall restraint harness I use a work.

[Julius]

Thank you all for your input. I have been spending time in Ontario so I never had the chance to check up on this forum!

For an update to all, I made a tarp with reinforcements and I am very pleased with the results. Unfortunately I rushed the reinforcements and they are a relative eye sore. I probably will fix them up one day, but for now they are functional which is all that matters.

What are your opinions on having a rope running beneath the Ridgeline for extra support?

Thank you all for your help!

As a further question

[Redoleary]

My ridge line runs under the tarp, never had any problems.

[FireInMyBones]

I've made finger patches: Attachment 97907

And trapezoidal patches: Attachment 97908

Diamond patches: Attachment 97909

Triangle patches: Attachment 97910

Half-circle patches: Attachment 97911

two straight sides and one curved patches: Attachment 97912

In the end I don't think it matters the shape. The ones I made were as much fashion, if you will, as function. You're just trying to spread the load a bit and and extra layer or two of fabric helps to reinforce the area. I know people who don't use any patches and have no problems so it's all up to you.

Excellent ideas, Red. There are some on that list that I haven't seen yet. I'll be keeping a few in mind if you don't mind.

[Redoleary]

Excellent ideas, Red. There are some on that list that I haven't seen yet. I'll be keeping a few in mind if you don't mind.

Go for it, let's call them "open source" patches.

[latriper]

I've made finger patches: Attachment 97907

And trapezoidal patches: Attachment 97908

Diamond patches: Attachment 97909

Triangle patches: Attachment 97910

Half-circle patches: Attachment 97911

two straight sides and one curved patches: Attachment 97912

In the end I don't think it matters the shape. The ones I made were as much fashion, if you will, as function. You're just trying to spread the load a bit and and extra layer or two of fabric helps to reinforce the area. I know people who don't use any patches and have no problems so it's all up to you.

I just had this mental picture of Tom Hanks (as Forest Gump) sitting on a park bench and saying...I have made finger patches and trapezoidal patches...
By the way, extraordinary craftsmanship!

[Redoleary]

I just had this mental picture of Tom Hanks (as Forest Gump) sitting on a park bench and saying...I have made finger patches and trapezoidal patches...
By the way, extraordinary craftsmanship!

LOL! That's funny. Thank you for the compliment.