DIY Blackcat (Bishop)

**gargoyle** · 05-02-2010, 13:02

cat cut cheat thread. Post #2 is what I was gonna tell ya. skip the math and let gravity do the layout!

**hangnout** · 05-02-2010, 13:03

Keep it simple. Figure the cat at 1" per foot. It worked on 3 tarps for me.

cat cut cheat thread. Post #2 is what I was gonna tell ya. skip the math and let gravity do the layout!

Only thing I would add to the directions in the link above is to make sure you are level between the start and end points.

**gargoyle** · 05-02-2010, 13:15

Yep, level, uh-huh... what he said!
And fold your tarp and do both sides at once. Helps keep everything symmetrical.

**leroybrown** · 05-02-2010, 13:28

I am SOOO relieved somebody gave me an easier way - sheesh!

Now, the front edge of my tarp, and the back edge, say the part that covers the head and foot end of the hammock, should those be cat cut or straight?

I bought a 1''x12''x12' board that I think will work perfect for this cut. I'll hang it, and us the aforementioned technique.

THANK YOU!!

**leroybrown** · 05-02-2010, 13:31

Also, sew the 2 66" pieces together to make the actual width, then fold it in half and pin in THEN hang it?

**gargoyle** · 05-02-2010, 13:41

Originally Posted by leroybrown

Also, sew the 2 66" pieces together to make the actual width, then fold it in half and pin in THEN hang it?

Yep, yep. You can do it both ways. Sewing it together first keeps everything together. Transferring from one side to the other is tricky.

Doing each panel seperately, keeping the same points of measure, then sewing each piece together is tricky, too.

Pick yer poison

**Shug** · 05-02-2010, 17:38

I just guessed at my cat cuts .... I abhor paperwork and math!!!!!!
Simple Shug

**Hangin' Burrito** · 05-02-2010, 18:08

Originally Posted by gargoyle

Yep, level, uh-huh... what he said!
And fold your tarp and do both sides at once. Helps keep everything symmetrical.

Absolutely!!! Not only will it keep it symmetrical, but it means less cutting, and therefore less room for mistakes.

**hangnout** · 05-02-2010, 18:22

Now, the front edge of my tarp, and the back edge, say the part that covers the head and foot end of the hammock, should those be cat cut or straight?

If you are going to cat cut the center I would do the ends also to help get a taut pitch.

**Ramblinrev** · 05-02-2010, 18:44

Originally Posted by leroybrown

Now, the front edge of my tarp, and the back edge, say the part that covers the head and foot end of the hammock, should those be cat cut or straight?

There is a level of personal preference to that issue. Part of it depends on your your comfort level with complexity. I have seen tarps made both ways. If you are planning on adding doors to the ends you may want to opt for a straight cut as it would make fitting the doors somewhat easier and more predictable. If this is to be a summer tarp only then doing a cat cut on the ends may give you a tighter pitch.