Where to find materials for DIY tarp

[foolhardy]

Hi. Long-time reader, first-time poster.

Two friends and I just got addicted to backpacking/hammock-camping. We all use Hammock Bliss's "No-See-Um-No-More" hammock and had no complaints after a 3 day hike through the Sipsey Wilderness (I thought I'd mention that hammock since I haven't seen it referenced on HF often).

I would like make a tarp out of silnylon, but I'm not sure where to get the materials. I live in Gardendale, AL so I have easy access to both Walmart and Hobby Lobby. I read that some folks had some luck at Walmart but I also know that they recently did away with their fabric section, and I'm not sure if HLobby sells this type of stuff.

SO where should I go to get this stuff:
1.1 oz. Silnylon
Corner reinforcement material
Nylon accessory webbing
100% Polyester thread - I could probably get this at HLobby
Seam sealer

Sorry if this has already been asked, but I couldn't find such a thread using the search.

[KerMegan]

Check in the "Fabrics" sub-forum- a few sources there.. mostly internet but reliable.

[Mrprez]

Welcome to HF! We get together up in the Sipsey several times a year.

Getting Silnylon locally is a difficult thing to do. Best is to order it. There are lots of places to order some.

http://speerhammocks.com
http://owfinc.com

There are plenty of others...

[Perkolady]

Hi foolhardy, and welcome to HF ! It's great you want to diy!

Have a look

There's some good info on material sources and feedback about different stuff people have used.

[BOB1520]

You have several on-line locations to choose from. Here are a few to check out:

owfinc.com (have purchsed fron them several times and they are nice people to work with)
questoutfitters.com
seattlefabrics.com
thru-hiker.com
speerhammocks.com

Here in Western NY I haven't found any local store that carry the materials for our gear making obsession.

[foolhardy]

Whoa, that's what I call service!

Thanks for the help, I'll check them out.

[treenester]

Welcome from down the road! I've been getting my rip-stop from Wal-Mart in Bessemer. Don't know what it is exactly, all I know is I made tarps with it. Seems to work fine. Kept me dry in the rain once but no extensive testing yet.

[bigbamaguy]

Foolhardy:
Welcome to the forum. I was able to find some nylon at Hobby Lobby once locally here in Gadsden but did not have the money on me to buy it at that time. Went back the next day with the cash in hand and blam, gone!!!! I was told by the nice lady at the sewing counter that they would not be re-stocking their supply due to low demand. Good luck in your search, others have posted online sites already, and watch for the hangs coming up in the future around the Sipsey.

[BrianWillan]

Whoa, that's what I call service!

Thanks for the help, I'll check them out.

There is also the silnylon tarp kit from Ray Jardine. It includes all the extra webbing and guy lines that you need to do the job. Hard to beat for $56 they are asking. If you are looking to make a bigger tarp you can add extra material to the kit. From the site, it looks as though the standard kit will make a tarp around 10'x10'.

Cheers

Brian

[sclittlefield]

SO where should I go to get this stuff:
1.1 oz. Silnylon
Corner reinforcement material
Nylon accessory webbing
100% Polyester thread - I could probably get this at HLobby
Seam sealer

Already some great places to check out, here are a couple others.

1.1oz Silnylon - I would be amiss not to mention I'm selling 1sts in my webstore, currently Gray and Black, soon I'll have Treebark Brown.

Also - I plan to offer Tarp Kits in the future (PM if interested) with my tarp patterns traced out for you along with reinforcing patches already cut out and webbing/D-rings... really everything but the thread and sewing machine. I'll be working out the pricing on that soon.

For 1.1oz seconds - you're not likely to beat Noah Lamport for pricing. $3/yd. You have to call - the website is useless. They also carry 1.9oz Coated ripstop which is a great reinforcing material.

Webbing - By accessory webbing I'm guessing you mean Gross Grain? If so, Outdoor Wilderness Fabrics has high quality and good pricing.

Thread - Same as above. Or if you want A LOT - Speer Hammocks.

Seam Sealer - Home Depot / Lowes / any hardware section of any store. Get GE's 100% Silicone, some mineral spirits, and some flux brushes from the plumbing dept. Mix the silicone w/ mineral spirits to a sloppy runny mix and apply with brush.