DIY Bishop Bag

[Deadphans]

I have an extra stuff sack that sits around and I was thinking of turning it in to a bishop bag type thing for my tarp.

I want to take the "bottom" of the stuff sack and poke a hole in it so I can run the one end of my ridge line through. However I foresee that hole ripping and eventually ruining my bishop bag. Any suggestions on how to keep that hole from tearing? Or maybe a whole different approach? Thanks!

[bhinson]

You could use some cross grain? (Think thats what it's called)
Or if you sew use the botton hole opp on your
On your thread injector

[Two Tents]

I had good results doing a zig-zag several times around the hole. No problems after close to 2 yrs. I also zig-zagged a 1/4 inch or so of a heavy duty hair tie on each end, directly on the bishop bag, to wrap up my whoopies or tree straps. Another thing is I put the hole more toward the edge rather than the center at the bottom so it makes for better gear storage when the hammock is hung.

[gargoyle]

Just make the bag double ended.
Use the same technique as you do for the drawstring end of the bag. Fold and sew the channels, on each end. When finished with the sewing feed thru a length of thin shockcord on the dummy end, and cinch it snug, not too tightly tho, and knot it off, snip off the excess.
The thin shockcord will hold the bag closed (enough to hold your tarp or hammock), allowing a small, slightly stretchy gap for the suspension to ride thru.
Then do a regular drawstring and cordlock on the other end.

[SpaceCadet]

I second the Button Hole

[Catavarie]

I'd suggest sewing a button hole, either with machine or if you have to by hand. If the bag you want to use is nylon you could use a soldering iron or hot knife to make the opening, which would also help to prevent fraying. Although sewing is still highly recommended.

[Aardvark]

Box stitch a small rectangle of web to the end of yourbag, then use woodburning pen or soldering iron to burn hole in nylon and web. Melts a nice channel, no chance of tear.

[TFC Rick]

They make replacement grommets of varying sizes. Simple to use, one piece goes on the inside one on the out side then tap with a hammer and bingo. Trim the material from the center away and you are good to go. No sewing, no tearing after the fact but also not super light.

[Deadphans]

Thanks for the advise everyone. I am no sewer...have only crudely sewed patches on my backpacks heh. I think I can manage reinforcing around the hole with stitching. The craziness subsides next week, I am going to try it out and see how it goes. I also like the grommet idea...but I would like to try this without having to spend money on a grommet gun kit.

The bishop bag will be for my tarp because I like the idea of the ease of snake skins to put away the hammock without undoing the suspension for hanging under the tarp. But I was wondering if there would be dripping issues. Rain hitting the bishop bag and traveling over and under, dripping on the ends of my hammock...unless there is some way to remedy this situation...