Results 1 to 3 of 3
  1. #1
    Senior Member headchange4u's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Kentucky
    Hammock
    Dual Layer WB Blackbird
    Tarp
    OES Cuben
    Insulation
    SnugFit
    Posts
    6,249
    Images
    35

    Finishing A Tarp Edge. Ribbon or Roll Hem??

    I am planning on using some of the WM silnylon that I have to make a 10x12 tarp. I have still not decided to go with a rectangular tarp or a canterary cut, but I will figure that out later.

    Right now I am trying to decide how to finish the edges of the tarp: nylon ribbon or roll hem.

    I like the ribbon on the edge like what is seen on the MacCat tarps which are said to be "Triple stitched edges lined with webbing prevent all fraying of fabric while keeping a first-rate appearance". My stock HH tarp has edges that are finished in ribbon (single stitched) and one small section and has come loose from the ribbon and there is a slight tear in the tarp fabric that was cause by it pulling loose from the ribbon. I have to repair it in the future.

    The slight failure on the HH tarp is giving me second thoughts on using ribbon on the edges, but I really like the look of ribbon. Does ribbon on the edge of a tarp have any benefits over roll hemming the edges (beside comsmetic)? How does ribbon effect getting tension on the tarp when setting up?

    I guess I could roll hem the edges and then finish them with ribbon, but that's just extra weight and to time consuming.

    Thoughts and opinions?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Just Jeff's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Charlottesville, VA
    Hammock
    Blackbird
    Tarp
    MacCat Standard
    Insulation
    Winter Yeti, MWUQ4
    Suspension
    Whoopie Slings
    Posts
    7,924
    Images
    32
    I had the same failure on the ribbon around my HH tarp. Nothing even close on the MacCat tarp. IMO, it's a construction quality issue rather than a problem with the ribbon itself.

    I'm not sure the ribbon is needed, though. IMO, it does help spread the force on a catenary tarp, which probably helps with the MacCat's tighter-n-all-get-out pitch. And it sure makes it look nice and adds some durability. But you could probably sacrifice some of that durability to save an ounce or two if you wanted to...the JRB holds up fine without it.

    I don't think I would use it on a rectangular tarp, but I'd definitely consider it for a catenary tarp. JMHO.
    “Republics are created by the virtue, public spirit, and intelligence of the citizens. They fall when the wise are banished from the public councils because they dare to be honest, and the profligate are rewarded because they flatter the people, in order to betray them.” ~Judge Joseph Story

    - My site: http://www.tothewoods.net/
    - Designer, Jeff's Gear Hammock / Pack Cover by JRB

    IMPOSSIBLE JUST TAKES LONGER

  3. #3
    Senior Member stoikurt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Panama City, FL
    Hammock
    Custom 1.7/1.1 WB Blackbird
    Tarp
    DIY SWT
    Insulation
    JRB Nest & DIY RMS
    Suspension
    Whoopee Slings
    Posts
    1,006
    Images
    97

    Rolled Hem

    I just finished making a cat cut tarp. Details are in a thread started by Slowhike yesterday about Hammocking on New Year's Eve. As soon as I can I will move it to a new thread with picture. But here's my corner and edge stitching detail. If the rolled hem is done carefully I don't believe you will gain much other than the added weight of the ribbon.

    Stoikurt
    "Work to Live...Don't Live to Work!"

  • + New Posts
  • Similar Threads

    1. DIY Snake Skins - finishing long edge
      By Grundalow in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 5
      Last Post: 11-11-2014, 23:47
    2. Underquilt Edge Finishing
      By normis1 in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 17
      Last Post: 09-26-2011, 08:44
    3. How do you guys roll the edge?
      By Gqgeek81 in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 24
      Last Post: 06-20-2011, 09:42
    4. Finishing the edge of Silnylon ?
      By pig.slayer in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 6
      Last Post: 03-15-2011, 12:12
    5. TQ Edge Finishing
      By jbo_c in forum Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
      Replies: 15
      Last Post: 12-10-2010, 21:40

    Bookmarks

    Posting Permissions

    • You may not post new threads
    • You may not post replies
    • You may not post attachments
    • You may not edit your posts
    •