Need help with first DIY Tarp

**Knotty** · 03-10-2010, 17:52

I want to use the 1.1oz ripstop camo from Scott's group buy to make a tarp. Once complete I'll waterproof it using the 'make your own sil' procedure.

First things first. Am I doing things in the right order?

**MondayHopscotch** · 03-10-2010, 18:14

I don't mean for this to come of as a hijack of your thread, just expanding because I am just about to start my own tarp as well.

On top of his procedural question (because I want to know the answer, too):

Is it possible to do a grosgrain binding on the edge without doing a rolled/folded hem?

Instead of a 1.9oz patch to reinforce the loop points, would just adding a patch (or two -- on on each side of the fabric) made of the same material (like 1.3oz sil) yield similar results?

And finally (and most off-topic, sorry) -- Is it worth putting doors on the ends of your tarp for a 3 season (but mostly summer) tarp?

**JerryW** · 03-10-2010, 18:22

Knotty - Looks good to me.

I cut my pieces to shape before sewing the ridge seam so I can nest them together on the fabric to save a little, but it works your way too.

MondayHopscotch - You could bind the edges instead of roll-hemming them.

The patches at the tie-outs only need to be on the underside, even if you use the same 1.3 material.

Doors - that's up to you. They could add some protection in a driving rain, but there are a lot of tarps in use from before anyone ever thought of adding doors and they work okay.

Jerry

WV · 03-10-2010, 18:41

Before adding doors, I'd want to make sure the waterproofing really works. In fact, I might do that before making the tarp.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-10-2010, 18:49

I like to cut the shape before I sew the ridge seam. The flat felled seam is a bulky beast and it does not always allow the fabric to lie flat on the cutting surface. Is that enough to make a difference? I have no clue. But that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Some people, including me, use a contrasting fabric for the reinforcement patches. I just like the look. Personal choice.

Edge treatment has been discussed many times before. As long as the edges are not raw, so they might fray in the wind, edge treatment is another personal choice. I use twill tape and roll it up into the rolled hem.

**Knotty** · 03-10-2010, 21:31

In MYOG Tarp Edges discussion (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=14905) WV described something similar to what you suggest Rev.

Thanks guys. I am now convinced to give it a try. I'm hoping this will make all of the edge strong enough to not need corner reenforcement at the tie outs. Just some additional grosgrain coming down the rolled hem from each side and a loop in the middle. What do you think?

**sclittlefield** · 03-10-2010, 21:55

Originally Posted by JerryW

Knotty - Looks good to me.

I cut my pieces to shape before sewing the ridge seam so I can nest them together on the fabric to save a little, but it works your way too.

+1 to that.

You can save a lot of fabric this way. I do not like (or trust) cutting multiple layers of fabric unless it's small pieces.

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Some people, including me, use a contrasting fabric for the reinforcement patches. I just like the look. Personal choice.

and another +1.

**Ramblinrev** · 03-10-2010, 21:59

Originally Posted by Knotty

In MYOG Tarp Edges discussion (http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=14905) WV described something similar to what you suggest Rev.

Thanks guys. I am now convinced to give it a try. I'm hoping this will make all of the edge strong enough to not need corner reenforcement at the tie outs. Just some additional grosgrain coming down the rolled hem from each side and a loop in the middle. What do you think?

Something about that approach bothers me but I can't put my finger on why. I think it has to do with the separate loop sewn onto the edging. I would like it better if the grosgrain continued off the edge of the tarp, looped around and went back onto the next edge. I trust that makes sense. I don't know how else to explain it.

**Walking Bear** · 03-10-2010, 22:06

If I recall correctly, when I made my tarp I trimmed the center seam selvage of both sides at the same time with a hot soddering gun. That stuck them together as they melted. That held the fabric until the first row of stiching when in.

**Knotty** · 03-10-2010, 22:13

Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

Something about that approach bothers me but I can't put my finger on why. I think it has to do with the separate loop sewn onto the edging. I would like it better if the grosgrain continued off the edge of the tarp, looped around and went back onto the next edge. I trust that makes sense. I don't know how else to explain it.

But the grosgrain running along the entire edge will be folded into the rolled hem and no longer be visible.