Finished my first DIY cat-cut hex tarp...

**Tobus** · 05-30-2011, 21:21

...and boy, was that a lot of work! Ain't no way I want to do that again unless I just can't find what I want from a vendor.

This took me the better part of two days. Granted, I was pretty much figuring everything out as I went, and I hadn't used a sewing machine for about 20 years.

I used 1.9-oz rip-stop nylon (on sale at Hancock Fabrics) for the tarp body and grosgrain ribbon for all the edge trim and at the seam along the spine. I used a polyester thread, which is like fishing line and is only about the width of a human hair. That was pretty difficult to work with, but it seems very strong. I chose metal D-rings because, quite honestly, I don't trust plastic ones to hold in strong wind gusts.

This tarp is 10' at the ridge, and each side is 4'-9" wide. The sides taper down to 7' at the bottom. Total weight is 19.2 oz. I still need to do the silicone DIY treatment, as well as add some side tie-outs. But the worst part is over!

The wind was blowing pretty good today (gusts as high as 41 mph), but this tarp behaved very well.

I learned a lot of lessons, and if I had it to do over again, I'd do things a bit differently. I'd make it 11' at the ridgeline, and my assembly process would be a bit more advanced. But like I said, I don't intend on doing this again any time soon if I can help it!

**bigbamaguy** · 05-30-2011, 21:25

All I can say is...................wonderful job, it looks great and you should be very proud.

**krugd** · 05-30-2011, 21:48

Looks very nice - good details. I hope you enjoy it for a long time.

**Chicky** · 05-30-2011, 21:56

That is one beautiful tarp. Perfect size, good weight and professional looking stitching. If I decide to make my own tarp I may go very similar to this.