Tarp and Grizz Beaks Hardwear

**packeagle** · 02-24-2011, 22:51

I just ordered 10 yards of Navy Blue Silnylon. My main concern is that I want to get the most out of my fabric. I have attached a picture of my concept and my first thoughts on how to cut out the tarp for the most frugal use of the fabric. I want to construct a 12x10 hex cat-cut tarp with a pair (2) Grizz Beaks. Does this look like an good way to cut the fabric?

Also, while I'm asking for advice what kind of accessories to I need to finish my tarp? I plan on ordering 14 D rings, 1yrd of 1.0 oz nylon, and 2yrds of 3/4 gross grain from BWDD for the tie outs. Just thought about it I could get some Velcro to close the ends of the beaks. Do I need anything else?

**G.L.P.** · 02-24-2011, 22:58

looks good to me ....

you might want to get some Sil-Net to seal the ridgeline seam

**JerryW** · 02-24-2011, 23:17

If you plan on using the 1oz. nylon for the tie-out reinforcements, you would be better off using some of the scrap silnylon or some other, heavier, nylon. 1oz. is so thin and light that it won't do any reinforcing.

Jerry

**packeagle** · 02-24-2011, 23:22

JerryW what weight nylon would you suggest for tie out reinforcements? I like the idea of using another layer of sil because I'll have some small scraps. What if any would be the disadvantages of doing this?

**JerryW** · 02-24-2011, 23:31

I've used some scrap 1.7oz. ripstop for reinforcements. 1.3oz. silnylon is even stronger than uncoated 1.7oz. ripstop, though(higher tear strength).

I can't really see any downside to using scrap pieces of sil. Maybe that it's pretty slippery when you're putting two pieces together, but after sewing a whole tarp, slippery corners shouldn't be much problem.

**GrizzlyAdams** · 02-24-2011, 23:34

The tarp leaves 3 yards of fabric for the beaks. Means the horizontal
edge on one beak is 42". That's 8" less than the width of the tarp, which
means that the beak rides higher off the ground than the tarp. Same thing happens if you orient the beak pattern 90 degrees, there's not enough fabric to bring the beak down as far as the edge of the tarp.

So that's fine, but has the ramification that the bottom edge of the beak
will angle up from the ground (tie-out from corner to ground) and so the
whole beak will need to "tilt" at an angle to accomodate, raising the front edge even more.

Just know what you're getting into and not be surprised by the geometry.

**packeagle** · 02-24-2011, 23:43

Dang it major math error. Looks like I'll be making one Grizz Beak and have some more leftover material.

**G.L.P.** · 02-24-2011, 23:47

good catch grizz.....

**GrizzlyAdams** · 02-24-2011, 23:50

I've got a roll of navy sil and can spare what you need for a second beak if you want. PM if interested.

**packeagle** · 02-25-2011, 00:46

Ok, I just had a thought. At first I planned on sewing a hem around the edges of the tarp. The sides of my Tarptent are just folded once and sewn down. (the cut edge is showing) I planned on doing this with my tarp, however, with the cat cuts wont there be bunching from the longer fabric on the outside of the arch being folded over the slightly smaller inside fabric? Is that why I see a lot of gross grain on tarp edges? Just kinda thinking out loud but your input is always appreciated.