Grosgain - ribbon or webbing?

[Trout]

So, I went out to purchase grosgain or at least try and find out what my local options are - I left my search with a question and no purchases.

It appears that the stores have grosgain ribbon, but not grosgain webbing. Is there a webbing or does it only come as ribbon? The grosgain ribbon I found was extremely light and I wasn't sure that it would work.

As clarification, what webbing is used to go around the trees? I know grosgain goes around the tarp and as tie-outs.

[Hooch]

One in the same.

As clarification, what webbing is used to go around the trees?

IMO, the best thing to se for this is 1' polyester webbing. Available from the nice folks at Strapworks.

[2Questions]

I use a polyester webbing or strapping to go around the tree. Some use Polypropylene, some use nylon.

[sclittlefield]

Grossgrain (and pronounced without the "ss's" - just so you know and the fabric ladies won't laugh at you) - is just gross grain. You can call it webbing or ribbon, but it's not really like there are two different kinds (correct me, someone, if I'm wrong). There are certainly different qualities though (stuff from OWFinc is way higher end than Walmart for example).

Gross grain would work for tie-outs. I prefer nylon webbing, but gross grain is a lighter weight option that should hold up just fine if sewn on right.

Webbing is what goes around trees, usually between 1" and 1.5" wide. Polyester or Polypropylene - stay away from Nylon here if you can, it stretches too much for this purpose.

[canoebie]

The applications where I have used grosgrain ribbon have been on the edges of tarps and for tie out points. It is used traditionally in sewing in waist bands and as a shallow waist facing or stay. According to a book my wonderful wife gave me, it is usually woven in a combination of rayon and cotton, firm and sturdy. (Just like her wonderful husband) One inch grosgrain is the most versatile, is wide enough to be strong without being bulky. Real grosgrain ribbon is identified by tiny scallops along both edges and is difficult to find. (The stuff I used did not have scallops)

Source: Notions: Over 50 Great Gadgets You Can't Live Without
Taunton Publications, Publisher: Jim Childs

[Trout]

Thanks for the quick responses. What's the difference between a low and high quality grosgrain? Would the wally mart version work fine or not work the money? I would rather do something on the cheap and learn and then spend the money online for the good stuff.

[canoebie]

I got mine at JoAnn Fabrics. I really like the purple. The quality seemed adequate for me. I used it as an edging on my tarp, with guidance and direction from my wife who is a professional seamstress.

[oldgringo]

Thanks for the quick responses. What's the difference between a low and high quality grosgrain? Would the wally mart version work fine or not work the money? I would rather do something on the cheap and learn and then spend the money online for the good stuff.

This is just a guess, based on what I've observed on a variety of products, but I strongly suspect a wide variation from store to store and, in fact, from day to day on non-branded product like this.

[Doctari]

FWIW: my grosgrain ribbon on my (now semi retired) DIY tarp, has withstood 50 mph gusts all night long, several times in my back yard.
The wind speed isn't a guess, I live less than 1 mile from a storm chaser & she keeps me posted. Darn Sturdy stuff.

[Trout]

Doctari - where did you get your grosgrain? My local JoAnns is the only place besides Walmart that has grosgrain.