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  1. #1
    New Member apnonimus's Avatar
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    DIY Tarp Ridgeline Seam options

    Hello,
    I'm embarking upon my first DIY tarp project using the BlackCat tarp instructions here http://www.teamgunnparker.com/blackc...k_Cat_Tarp.htm

    The main problem I'm going (haven't started yet though it's pinned) to have is the flat-felled seam of course.

    Is it absolutely necessary to fold the "upper" fabric over and under, then sew it? I'm wondering if having a raw edge here is detrimental to structure or sealing.

    Also, what about doing the seam without folding it over, a double- stitch, then sewing grosgrain all the way along the tarp, on the underneath side? That would cover up and strengthen the ridgeline while keeping the seam's rough edge concealed underneath.

    This all is since I just tried a flat-felled seam on a remnant and found it very difficult to keep it folded under for the duration of the seam.

    Some folks have been mentioning using rubber cement, silicon sealant, etc to glue down the folded-edge to sew. Anyone 100% certain of the effectiveness of these methods? Or partially?

    Thanks for the hints guys. I'm going to grab some beer for this one.

  2. #2
    Senior Member MAD777's Avatar
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    This is just my personal preference, keeping in mind that there's always more than one way to skin a cat. I would continue to practice your flat felled seam until you get it down pat.

    Two reasons: 1. It's a strong seam and a tarp ridgeline needs to have a strong seam.
    2. Flat felled seams are extremely useful in all sorts of projects, so you really should go ahead and learn it.

    But, remember HYOH and SYOS (Sew Your Own Seam)
    Mike
    "Life is a Project!"

  3. #3
    Senior Member Les Rust's Avatar
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    In the words of a wise man, there is more than one way to skin a cat--and the cat doesn't care for any of them!
    I second the notion for learning flat-felled seams. There's a reason that they have been used so often--they work!

  4. #4
    Senior Member MarshLaw303's Avatar
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    french seam!

    -Tim

  5. #5
    New Member apnonimus's Avatar
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    The french seam looks relatively simple. I'm wondering how easily an iron can be used on silnylon as well, anyone have any luck? Both the french seam and the flat-felled seam utilize the iron to help the material lay flat/crease . . .

  6. #6
    Senior Member MarshLaw303's Avatar
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    no need for iron. Once the seam is done (before sewing it down to the tarp, the felling part i thing) it should be even so just pull everything tight when you sew it down. My seams on Sil aren't great but the french is easy and doesn't need any ironing to help it out. (notice i don't sell any tarps)

    -Tim

  7. #7
    Senior Member MAD777's Avatar
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    No iron on nylon!
    at least not when it's plugged in.
    Mike
    "Life is a Project!"

  8. #8
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Ironing silnyl would be a waste of time or a waste of silnyl. To get the iron hot enough to set the crease you would risk destroying the fabric. If you have the iron cool enough to protect the fabric it won't do squat to set the crease.

    Personally I like the flat felled seam but a top stitched french seam is just as strong and a little bit easier for beginning stitchers to get a handle on. Once the french seam is made you fold the tab over and stitch it down. You can do a double row of stitches if you like the look but a single row is plenty strong enough.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

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  9. #9
    Senior Member Catavarie's Avatar
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    If things are just moving around on you try masking or blue painters tape to hold things in place. But yes a flat felled seam is the way to go. If you don't like the way it looks you can still cover it up with Grossgain afterwards.
    *Heaven best have trees, because I plan to lounge for eternity.

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  10. #10
    New Member apnonimus's Avatar
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    Well, after a few hours of making sure the tension was correct on this machine that is new to me, I got the first stitch sewn for my flat-felled seam. I used a ton of pins! I pinned the fabric for the second stitch as well, under itself, until I realized I was off by quite a bit from early on with the pinning and had to start all over. Frustrated, I plodded through and re-pinned it, and now I have a flat-felled seam about which I have zero reservations and am very happy with!

    A little motivation from you guys on the board, and acceptance of some major pinning was all it took and now after a day of fretting over it the ridgeline is finished.

    Early tomorrow, onto hemming the entire blackcat . . . to grosgrain or not to grosgrain? I have no binding foot and wonder how easy it will be without one.

    Thanks for all of the help guys! Pics upcoming

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