Marpat Hammock and Tarps

Hi all, I finally have had the time to post the projects I have finished (almost) so far. I started out by making amsteel whoopies and tree straps but then graduated to a gathered end hammock then an asym tarp and finally a cat cut hex tarp. I still have a blackbird clone, winter tarp, quilts, backpack, etc. in the mix but thought I'd post what I have done already. I still want to add some side pullouts to both tarps because there is some extra fabric in the body of the tarps when pulled taught. I've had it done for a while but have been recovering from a dislocated shoulder so sorry if some of the pics are a bit blurry. Here they are:

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040571.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040573.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040574.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040578.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040579.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040580.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040581.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040582.jpg
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040586.jpg

The brown in the tarp is actually a lot darker than in the pics and it is also not as shiny. one thing that I have noticed is that when it is pulled taught, the holes that the thread go through become enlarged and you can see through them a bit. Is this normal?


Pics of the fabric:
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a99...s/P1040587.jpg

Nice!! I especially like the hex tarp. What is the. Fabric?

The tarp material is 1.9 oz. p/u coated ripstop:
http://www.efabricsupplier.com/product_p/45.htm

The hammock material is plain polyester:
http://www.efabricsupplier.com/product_p/248.htm

They also have 1.6 oz. p/u coated ACU ripstop:
http://www.efabricsupplier.com/product_p/246.htm

Weights:

Asym tarp: 19.07 oz.

Hex Tarp: 32.05 oz

Hammock: 18.66 oz.

I know that those are a bit heavy but I wanted something easy to work with on my first projects because I have never sewn before. I will be creating a second set of lighter tarps and hammocks after I finish the winter tarp and blackbird clone using my remaining fabric. The hammock material is surprisingly wind resistant compared to my ENO DN and it only slightly stretches even under my 280 lbs. with a single layer hammock.

Nice work. The Marpat looks great!

Looks sweet brother. I want a hammock like that with the knotty mod and a cat cut tarp in orange and camo( reversable )

Jeremy

Looks great! I like the cat cut due to the better coverage. That's a nice set up you've put together. Don't forget to seal those seams.

Thanks for all the replies :) I am a bit nervous about the asym tarp because of the slack and how to adjust for that when I do the sil version though. It might have to do with the fact that it is a solid piece of fabric instead of two pieces sewn together at the ridgeline, but idk. I also don't know how I am going to do the side pull outs because I had a lot of trouble lining up the webbing when it was on the edge of the tarp, which is a lot easier than when I try to do it in the middle of the tarp.....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Mac_48

Thanks for all the replies :) I am a bit nervous about the asym tarp because of the slack and how to adjust for that when I do the sil version though. It might have to do with the fact that it is a solid piece of fabric instead of two pieces sewn together at the ridgeline, but idk. I also don't know how I am going to do the side pull outs because I had a lot of trouble lining up the webbing when it was on the edge of the tarp, which is a lot easier than when I try to do it in the middle of the tarp.....

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No, you're not crazy: an asym tarp does sag more than a seamed tarp; the seam adds a bit of tensional strength where the tarp needs it.

The needle holes...well, keep an eye on them (I sure am with my new tarp!). I'd recommend putting some seam sealer over 'em anyway: not only will it keep water from coming through, but the silicone (or polyurethane, in your case) should help with adding a bit of strength just where the tarp needs it.

Are you intending to put the webbing all the way around the tarp to create the pull-outs? If not, just sew to one side and then sew the reinforcement on the other side using the needle holes as a guide. Easy-peasy.

Oh, and all of that looks really nice...much nicer than my first efforts, that's for sure! I look forward to seeing what you have in store next!

Like FLRider said...Set it up in the backyard and give all the stitches and trim a good coat of sealer. Let it dry for a day.
That PU fabric does have a lot of stretch to it (especially on cat cuts).
Depending on needle size, thread tension and stitch length, you may have issues in the future. Adding the sealer at this time will help.

Adding panel pulls may look duanting, but they arent that hard. If shug or myself can do them, anyone can.;)

While the tarp is set up or layed out flat, mark their location (I use a permanent marker, just make a small reference mark, you'll sew directly over this mark) Keep the marks equal distance from the rl and the sides for good looks..say 2' down from the rl and 3' in from the sides. Also reference a straight horizontal line so they aren't cock-eyed. Lay the tarp under the foot and slide the whole thing all the way to your mark. Sew on one panel pull and repeat.

If you want reinforcing patches, sew them onto your mark first, then add the pull-out loop to the center of the patch.

It is a lot fabric to move under the foot but you can do it! Take your time.

Thanks for the tips :) So if I understood this right, i should sew a patch to the inside of the tarp and then sew the pullout onto the outside using the stitches as a guide? And I don't need to use webbing on the inside to support the pullout? Is 3/4" nylon webbing ok for the pullouts and what is the best way to attach them (loop, flat, etc.)? Also, I used the double boxed x for all of the pullouts on the edges, what method should I use on the wall pullouts? sorry for all the questions, I am just surprised/happy with how they turned out and I don't want to screw up the final steps :)

Check this recent thread

There is a number of ways to attach. I cant really say "this" one is better.
Its a matter of preference. Cruise the pics on the forum and pick a way that suits "you". Or create your own!

I've seen patch, no patch, webbing, grosgrain, cord, plastic bottle caps, a product called "grip-clips, magnets, velcro...the list goes on and on. Almost anything can work. You can even use a smooth rock and cinch a line around the rock/fabric bundle.
Sometimes I just lean my trek pole against the sidewall and push it out (handle against fabric, tip planted in the ground)

When its all said and done, use some shockcord on the wall pullout/panel pulls to allow for some flex.

Fantastic job. I really enjoy seeing what others come up with.

Wow !

Love them.

I have made small single person 5 x 8 ground tarps and a backpack cover out of that PU ripstop.

I intend to make a full hex cut (possibly with doors) tarp out of it too. Not light. But decent.

You can find surplus USMC tarps on ebay made of the same material. they are like 8 x 7 though. I measured the diagonal and it's 10' 6" or so. Still too small for my 11' DIY Marpat hammock.

Made the hammocks out of 30D pure finish ripstop marpat.

Below you can see my marpat hammock in my marpat PLUQ, under that woodland camo tarp. (Soon to make that marpat tarp !)

Dang! That's good looking gear ;)

Thank you for all the info and responses :)


Snare - Where did you get that 30D marpat? I have been thinking about looking for something that is more breathable/lighter than the polyester one I have right now. Also, this is probably a stupid question, but what is the oz/yd on that fabric? I was just wondering cause I am at a hefty 280 right now and I don't want to end up on the ground lol.... I am still new to hammocks, diy and sewing so I still have a lot to learn :)

Love it! Got to admit I have a bias when it comes to MARPAT. The couple of tarps I seen with it had too small a pattern, you could see it repeating every 12" or so and it did just the opposite if what you want, it drew you eyes to it. You make me wish I had a sewing machine myself to make my own now.

Good Job.

Mac 48,

I stumbled upon a small quantity that was at rockywoods fabric.

They don't have any more, not sure when they will get more...I've been checking back there myself to see.

As for weight, not a dumb question at all, the 30D (pure finish, no DWR) was listed at 1.1 oz/yd. The hammocks we made were single layer and are crazy light (that's a technical term for a specific weight..lol). Don't have a scale, but our hammocks are 11' x 54" finished size and BIAS sells the WW Micro out of similar fabric, I believe, but in ACU, and they list a weight of 6.5 oz for hammock weight. We used 1/16" poly draw cord (from DIY Gear Supply) for the whipping (Warbonnet style).
BIAS rates their 1 layer WWM for 220 lbs.

In this pic you can see that the fabric we used is pretty translucent (and you can see MtC's shoes..:D). We did quad Knotty mods on both hammocks too

Thanks for the info :) I will probably just have to use 1.4 or 1.6 oz. in olive drab or something. I don't care about stretch, but I do care about ripping it :P

Snare and Michelle the Camper's gear weight
just hammock: 7 oz
hammock with full suspension and stuff sack 12 oz.

IDK if this helps, but when I did pull-outs I used rectangles of ripstop that I had already hemmed around (for looks). After I measured on one side and made my mark, I pinned the rectangle to that side and taped it down with scotch tape. Then I went to the other side, pushed the opposing rectangle down the pins, and scotch-taped it in place. Remove the pins and you are ready to sew both reinforcers on at the same time. Worked great for me.
Definitely seam seal. There is a great thread on here about homemade seam sealer made with mineral spirits and pure silicone. I made some and it worked great.