DIY tarp, little different.

**kykcamper** · 06-22-2009, 12:46

That is a great and very versitile looking tarp, Nice work!

**SmokeHouse** · 06-22-2009, 13:16

The way I put the cat curve in is find a store that has long boxes (5' or 6' long). I cut 2 boxes 6'x2.5' and ducked taped them together while standing up on the 2.5', making 11'x2.5'. Measure from the floor 2.4' (or what ever you want) at both ends (left and right) and attach a small nail. Then take a limber string and tie one end to left nail and the other end to right nail (Should be 11' or length of ridgeline). Between the nails measure the same distance as the nails and drop your string down the desired level which will give the curve. Take a marker and mark just below the string then cut out cardboard.
Note: make sure the connection between the 2 cardboards stay the same, otherwise when moving the cardboard your ridgeline will be off.
Others on here may have a better way of making a cat curve.

**Ramblinrev** · 06-22-2009, 13:26

There are a number of threads on the forums detailing how to draw cat cuts and detail the difference between catenary cuts and what you get when you use string or tent poles or what have you. The quants will want to come out and play. They've been kind of quiet recently.

**sclittlefield** · 06-23-2009, 17:11

I'm just a little bit giddy right now, having a bit of trouble containing myself...

I just ordered 19yds of Gray 1.1 oz Silnylon 2nds from Noah Lamport for $3.00/yd.

Boy oh boy. I can't wait. I will definitely build this tarp, or something very similar and have plenty left over for some other hair brained schemes I've got planned.

**SmokeHouse** · 06-24-2009, 15:14

Originally Posted by sclittlefield

I just ordered 19yds of Gray 1.1 oz Silnylon 2nds from Noah Lamport for $3.00/yd.

.

WOW!!! thats a great price... I may have to order some from there...

**Perkolady** · 06-24-2009, 15:39

Really great looking tarp!

Cheery color too.

**SmokeHouse** · 06-24-2009, 17:38

Thanks for all the compliments.

**sclittlefield** · 07-02-2009, 22:38

I'm loving your design. I copied it, but instead of the cat cut ridge-line, I cat cut all the other sections, with a longer 6' cat cut in the center so I wouldn't need that center pull out (save a couple stakes).

It's all cut out, hopefully I'll find some free time this weekend to start sewing before I leave for Belize on Wed. I'm a little nervous about hemming the cat cut sections. Straight shots are easy enough, but these curves look to be trouble - any advice would be appreciated. And boy is sil slippery.

**sclittlefield** · 07-21-2009, 11:55

Alright Smokehouse, I'm back from Belize and was able to get a few pictures taken. I used your basic idea but cat cut all the edges rather than the ridgeline.

Thanks so much for sharing your design. I'm pretty pleased with the results, this being my first tarp using the proper material.

**Bags4266** · 07-14-2010, 16:50

Really nice tarp Sclittlefield, thanks for the plans. I'm going to attempt this one soon. Few questions, what type of hem did you use a rolled seam? And what was the total weight? Also if you were to do it again would you change anything? Thanks