Tarps

[zooshooter]

I've been playing around with the sewing machine a bit. Recently started trying my hand at sewing nylon. I have no idea what weight it is, it was just a remnant at the local fabric store. I need to fiddle with tensions a little but it's getting there. I'm wanting to get, or make, a rain tarp for my tablecloth hammock. Right now, my local fabric store has this really thin grayish/brown polyester (according to the bolt label) that also has a ripstop patterning that is only $2/yd. Another slightly less local fabric store has a couple colors of ripstop nylon for $8/yd, but I can't verify the weight on that fabric either.

I've read the DIY silnylon thread and think I could easily do THAT portion of tarp-making. I'm still a little iffy on my nylon sewing abilities. My initial project is a pillow case for a travel/camping pillow which I should finish tonight I think. My question then is this, among DIY'ers have you noticed that it would have been cheaper to buy a nice quality tarp initially, or was the DIY tarp worth it in the end?

[Dutch]

Well if you are solely doing it as a cost savings then I would say it isn't worth it unless you are on a really tight budget. Sil tarps are pretty inexpensive. However I made my first good tarp and I love it. It is made just to my specs and is still works and looks great after many years of service. I have since modded it with a pole mod. So if you consider pride of making your own gear part of the payoff then it is worth it.

[Whiskeyjack]

The tarp I made this summer would have cost me at least $150 if purchased. Total cost for supplies, $40 including shipping and part of that cost was for amsteel for whoopie slings, not the tarp. Took about 6-7 hours to make and gave me some good time to hang out with my mom. Win-win for DIY.

[Boston]

Do you foresee yourself making more than 1 tarp? Like, a summer tarp, and a larger winter/bad weather tarp?

I ordered silnylon seconds from Noah Lamport (must call, not on web site) or about $3/yrd. For about $50 in fabric (plus maybe $10 in other materials) I made 2 tarps plus plenty left over for stuff sacks, snakes skins, etc.. Compare that to buying the same sized tarps from cottage manufacturers for $85 and $130 I'd say I saved a lot of money. I made each tarp working off and on over a weekend.

Plus I didn't have to fiddle with DIY sil

[Gravity]

Here's a reliable cottage vendor with good prices. You can contact him with questions. I'm just a happy customer, no other association.
http://www.backwoodsdaydreamer.com/p...oated-fabrics/

[zooshooter]

Do you foresee yourself making more than 1 tarp? Like, a summer tarp, and a larger winter/bad weather tarp?

I ordered silnylon seconds from Noah Lamport (must call, not on web site) or about $3/yrd. For about $50 in fabric (plus maybe $10 in other materials) I made 2 tarps plus plenty left over for stuff sacks, snakes skins, etc.. Compare that to buying the same sized tarps from cottage manufacturers for $85 and $130 I'd say I saved a lot of money. I made each tarp working off and on over a weekend.

Plus I didn't have to fiddle with DIY sil

Not entirely sure yet. I most likely will end up at least wanting more than 1 type of tarp. In your experience does the weight of the nylon (30d, 40d, 70d, etc) matter a whole lot when making a DIY? Assuming I get silnylon here and don't go the DIY route for the silicone.

[Boston]

Not entirely sure yet. I most likely will end up at least wanting more than 1 type of tarp. In your experience does the weight of the nylon (30d, 40d, 70d, etc) matter a whole lot when making a DIY? Assuming I get silnylon here and don't go the DIY route for the silicone.

I forgot to mention the reason I asked about more than one, is Noah Lamport has a minimum 10yrd order. And be sure to tell them to ship off the roll to save shipping cost.

I don't know about denier making a difference. I believe what I got was 30d, and it was fairly easy to work with. Never even seen heavier materials.

[matthew2000tx]

I'm wondering the same thing... I think I want to sew my own just for the experience....

[lokbot]

Making a Tarp is a good learning experience. I made one for my GF and she loves it. It's also a good way to get your feet wet for more projects. Like making a grizz beak or doors for a tarp. My next project is a bridge hammock and I feel comfortable starting that project after making a tarp, a couple of hammock, a few stuff sacks, bug nets, straps, whoopies, various ridgelines, etc.

Start somewhere and see how interested you are on continuing your hobby.

[zooshooter]

Here's my first attempt (with an actual purpose) at sewing nylon. Pillowcase for a small "travel" pillow that I plan to use with my sleeping bag or in my hammock. http://imgur.com/a/Ozxmz