0.9 oz silnylon tarp?

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 02-03-2014, 08:37

I picked up some really good quality 0.9 oz silnylon (28ft) and was wondering if anyone had any experience of making a tarp with it?

It's not going to be all that strong but I'm currently making a silnylon poncho/tarp (1.7 oz). My thinking being that if it does rip I can get shelter under the poncho.

The tarp is probably going to be 10.5 ft ridge hex with double rolled edges and NO tie outs (weak fabric)

Or I'll can make something else, no idea what though?

Edit; I meant NO pull outs not 'NO tie outs'

**Charleskbrown2** · 02-03-2014, 23:22

Im interested in seeing the final weight. Where did you score the material?

**Izraelius** · 02-04-2014, 02:00

You should be able to make a tarp if you reinforce the tie-outs. Do it!! Then post results!

**ntxkayakr** · 02-04-2014, 02:32

I would add thicker reinforcement material to the corners (tie outs) in addition to grosgrain loops with triangle plastic hardware, and attach shock cord loops before attaching guy lines to reduce chance of ripping silnylon tarp fabric. Some basic ideas and guidelines/patterns for tarps at: http://diygearsupply.com/diy-guides/tarps/

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 02-04-2014, 08:06

I got the fabric from a fabric store that sells offcuts from some of the northern England's clothing manufacturers. I get it for about £8 kg ($12) but its a nightmare to workout what is what.

I've actually decided not to re-enforce the tie outs, I think that sewing too much over this light fabric will make it weaker by damaging too many of it fibres. The plan is grosgrain with a further grosgrain support (I'll post picture to clarify).

**e_2** · 02-04-2014, 11:35

Originally Posted by Scotty Von Porkchop

...I've actually decided not to re-enforce the tie outs, I think that sewing too much over this light fabric will make it weaker by damaging too many of it fibres. The plan is grosgrain with a further grosgrain support (I'll post picture to clarify).

I agree with this line of thinking. Most of my corners and such are designed with minimal perforation to the fabric.

**nothermark** · 02-04-2014, 13:18

I might rethink the corners and ad a triangle of fabric only sewn in as part of the rolled edge. No extra holes, stronger and maybe cord pockets. ;-)

**Hawk-eye** · 02-04-2014, 13:24

Don't know for sure but I would guess you'd have more misting of water in a down pour with that light weight material. I could be wrong ... I have been before

**VictoriaGuy** · 02-04-2014, 13:38

Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

Don't know for sure but I would guess you'd have more misting of water in a down pour with that light weight material. I could be wrong ... I have been before

+1
I'd do a water pressure test before putting much work into that fabric.

**Scotty Von Porkchop** · 02-04-2014, 16:26

Non sewn cord pockets, now that is a cool idea.

You know that I was so concerned about the fabrics tear strength I hadn't even considered that it might not be totally waterproof. Would the best way to test the waterproofness be to hose a taught piece and check for misting or see how much a water it'll hold (like a gravity water filter bag?