DIY Winter tarp almost done!

[eviscerate3]

I have been working on making a 1.1 sil winter tarp with doors. This was my first tarp project and i learned a lot as I went along. Thank you to all of you for the great advice and tips on how to make it. I sewed the ridgeline with grosgrain as recommended here. This was super easy and seems very effective. Total weight is 27.2 ounces with suspension. I bought the dark green 1.1 from noah lamport and I found it very easy to work with compared to some other sil I worked with in the past. I still need to work on the setup as I have never had a tarp with doors before. This completes my winter setup as all diy. In the last few months I have made three quilts, multiple hammocks with suspension and now the tarp. With it being so easy I am planning on making a summer tarp soon. I am going to add tie outs to the sides once I decide where to put them. Thanks again to all of you for the tips and tricks to get this done!

[dragon360]

Some nice looking tarp you have there - congrats!

[eviscerate3]

Some nice looking tarp you have there - congrats!

Thank you!

[VictoriaGuy]

Good job!
Isn't DIY fun?

[eviscerate3]

Good job!
Isn't DIY fun?

Maybe too much fun! At least my wife thinks so

[dewymtbike]

I'm getting ready to start my 4 season tarp on Black Friday. What made the grosgrain for a ridgeline better? I understand straight but was there other reasons? I was going to do the flat-felled / french seam per DIY Gear Supply. I purchased all my materials from him. I will also be making an underquilt.

[eviscerate3]

I'm getting ready to start my 4 season tarp on Black Friday. What made the grosgrain for a ridgeline better? I understand straight but was there other reasons? I was going to do the flat-felled / french seam per DIY Gear Supply. I purchased all my materials from him. I will also be making an underquilt.

Hello, I found the grosgrain to be much easier than doing the french seam. I ran one stitch down the sil and then wrapped the 7/8" grosgrain over the seam and ran another stitch down the edge. it seems that the ridgeline is very strong with this setup. we are supposed to get some good storms this weekend and i plan on trying it out in the back yard and see how it goes. i also planned to do this because some sil that I worked with before was very difficult and slippery. I thought this might help to keep the fabric from slipping so much since the grosgrain would be against the presser foot and the dogs. With the fabric I used for this project I did not end up having any issues with the fabric slipping. Another forum member stated that they did not have to run seam sealer to cover the seam with this method. I have not sealed mine yet, want to try it out to see if it is necessary.


For your insulation I really recommend the underquilt shells from underquilts.com. You choose which shell fits your needs and then you fill it with the down of your choice and sew up the one end. I bought the Foyle and have been very happy with it.

[Simpleman]

Nice job! I'm also making a couple of DIY tarps for Christmas presents and I agree DIY is fun and addictive.

[eviscerate3]

Do you all recommend putting grosgrain along all of the edges of the tarp? I see some other manufactures do this. I'm not sure if it is really necessary.

[Simpleman]

I'm using grosgrain on the ridgeline only and hemming the rest. I'm no expert but I would imagine the grosgrain does add a little strength (and weight)' but do you really NEED it??