MYOG Tarp Edges

[jeremyduncan]

Sorry if this is discussed somewhere else. I could not find any direct reference to it in any of the DIY threads. I am about to make my own tarp out of 1.1oz silnylon. I was wondering how to treat the edges. Obviously, I don't want to leave them with just cut, but what do I do to keep them from fraying? Originally I was thinking just double over the material and sew a seam at the edges, but it looks like most tarps have webbing sewn over the edges. This seems like it would weigh and cost more than necessary. I bought some cheap, thin grosgrain ribbon to fold over and sew along the edges, but will that suffice? How is this normally handled?

[bigred72]

Grossgrain is perfect. I have made edging with just doubling over, it works but a much better bet using the ribbon, especially with the pull pressure you will have from your tie outs. I use the 7/8".

[gargoyle]

I folded and hemmed my tarp edges, no problems.
Grosgrain is available at any sewing supply store.
Its a matter of choice.

[Ramblinrev]

I use twill tape which is enclosed in a triple fold hem. Another voice from the peanut gallery.

[WV]

I found some 3/8" grosgrain to use, and it's fine. I think even 1/4" would do. You can also use it to stabilize the edge for catenary cuts if you're ambitious. I mark the catenary with a Sharpie pen, then sew the grosgrain along the line. Then I cut off the excess outside the grosgrain. (I use a soldering iron to cut silnylon, but you could use scissors for this.) Then fold the grosgrain over twice and sew the edge. I have also cut off the excess with a soldering iron before sewing the grosgrain to the silnylon without problems, so that's an option, too. I think the melted edge of the silnylon stabilizes the fabric a bit so it doesn't stretch or fray while being sewn.

[tammons]

Just hem it.

[opie984]

It really depends on what kind of tarp you are making. As WV noted, you really only need grossgrain if you are making a cat cut (and even then its not absolutely necessary). On my rectangular tarp I made I just doubled rolled and hemmed all the edges. For my RL, I flat-felled the seam. If you are making a rectangular tarp, I don't think there is any benefit from using grossgrain on the edges.

[jbo_c]

Does your average sewing store sell gross grain ribbon? Do they call it something else?

I've never knowingly seen it at the store - only on-line outdoor diy suppliers.

Jbo

[Knotty]

I found grosgrain ribbon in the ribbon section of a Joanne Fabric store.

I don't understand just how the grosgrain is used. Do you first have to make a rolled hem in the sil and then fold and sew grosgrain over it? Or just sew it to one side? Or? or? or?

[Perkolady]

I found grosgrain ribbon in the ribbon section of a Joanne Fabric store.

I don't understand just how the grosgrain is used. Do you first have to make a rolled hem in the sil and then fold and sew grosgrain over it? Or just sew it to one side? Or? or? or?

Knotty,
I take my gg and fold it over in half all the way down the length and iron it lightly, then I just tuck the raw edge of the fabric up in between, then pin a bit and sew. I like this way so I only have to sew once.