I decided that I was going to make a set of python/snake skins for my tarp from NoSeeUm mesh. I made them from NoSeeUm because I wanted to be able to strap my wet tarp to the outside of my pack so that it can dry while hiking.
Python/snake skins for a hammock or tarp is nothing new. I know some members here have already made skins from mesh and Hennessy Hammocks sell a silnylon version of the skins.
For reference I used the tutorial on Jeff's homemade gear site and the JRB site also has a tutorial for making skins. Please refer to these tutorials for more detailed instructions on making a skin.
When I started to make my mesh skins I thought it would be nice to have some way of storing and securing the tarp guy lines to keep them out of the way while the tarp was strapped to the outside of my pack. Here what I came up with:
This is the basic dimension of the NoSeeUm that I will be using to make these skins:
After measuring and cutting out the skins I layed the narrow end of the skins on a piece of paper and traced out a pattern for the pockects (1.). Next I used the pattern to cut out the pockect (2.) Before I started sewing the skins I also added a roll hem to the wide end of the pockect (3.).
Next I lined up the narrow end of the the skin and the narrow end of the pocket and rolled them together into a hem.
After this step you continue to make the skins as normal, sewing the long edges together to form a tube. VERY IMPORTANT! Make sure the pocket portion is located inside the tube when you are sewing. That way the pocket will be on the outside once you finish your sewing and turn the skin inside out. Here a pic of the pocket end before flipping it inside out:
Once you finish sewing the length of the tube finish the skins by putting a roll hem on the wide end. You may have to trim some material off the wide end to make things straight. After finishing the hem on the wide end I also insert a wire tie into the hem to the skin to help it go over the tarp when breaking down camp. The wire tie is an optional step, but it makes things a little easier. Here's the finished product:
Once you have pulled the skins over the tarp you simply wind the guy lines up and tuck them in the pocket at the end of the tube. Keeps everything nice and neat.
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