DIY Tarp

**joemcc** · 03-10-2012, 15:03

Planning on making a tarp with tax refund rather than buying one. I would like to hear comments and opinions.

1.3oz sil nylon. Dimensions 120x96/10x8. Obviously its a rectangle. No special cat cuts. I was thinking that since the material comes 60 inches wide that I would just have my seam on one side rather than cutting it to have the seam on top. I'm not sure how seam sealing works but I imagine after sewing it together you just coat the seam with it.. for the tie out was going to just sew on some ribbon loops for tie outs. For the ridgeline I was going to do another ribbon loop with a d ring. Tie lash it or zing to it and wrap around a tree aand tie to a dutch hook. Repeat on the other side.

Seems simple to me but I may be missing something. The suspension seems like it would be really easy as well

Thanks

**FireInMyBones** · 03-10-2012, 15:09

I just made my first 10'x8' tarp not long ago. Feel free to ask any questions. Maybe my thread will help?

**MAD777** · 03-10-2012, 16:33

You want to be sure to reinforce the tie-outs with extra fabric, both at the ridgeline and the edge tie-outs. Something like this. http://www.hammockforums.net/gallery...imageuser=3295

If you don't want to do cat cuts, I would use more tie-outs to control the edge of the tarp.

**joemcc** · 03-10-2012, 16:46

Would I just need to do extra fabric on the corners or all tieouts. And I planned to have 4 tieouts on each side. Debating cutting the lengths so that I could pull them in like doors without having the addition of doors. For example have a tieout 2 feet from the ends. From that tie out the material would be cut in a triangle so when its pulled in I have doors and when its not in door mode it will just be higher. Makes sense in my head maybe not so much on paper.

**FireInMyBones** · 03-10-2012, 16:54

I do not recommend using sil as the reinforcement unless you seam seal those as well. With sil being "waterproof" condensation and spray can get caught between the layers and mold. I can fold in my 10'x8' to create doors. I think what you want makes sense. Do you think my layout will help you out at all?

**PuckerFactor** · 03-10-2012, 17:13

If you're going for simple, here's what I did.
Tarp dimensions.jpg
The height was just whatever the fabric was, 63" or 64" I believe.
The cat cut was done according to the 1" per foot guideline, and this tarp is taut as a sail in front of a hurricane.

Very simple, and very effective.
PF

**MAD777** · 03-10-2012, 17:14

I agree, seam seal the tie-outs. The silicone further strengthens those stress points.

**joemcc** · 03-11-2012, 11:45

Fire your pics helped a lot. That looks to be what I'm planning for the doors.

**joemcc** · 03-11-2012, 12:55

Also has anyone found a cheaper source than diygearsupply. Probably going to get some seconds but I can't bring myself to order unless I look around.

**PuckerFactor** · 03-11-2012, 15:34

You could give Noah Lamport a call. They're probably still doing the $3/yd. deal, if they have any in stock. If you order from them, make sure you ask them to pack it in a box, and not on the roll.

PF