Silnylon Tarp

[perfectlydark]

Well i got my gear from simon (tiergear, and thanks by the way) and its time to start on the tarp as my next project. The thing is, im being paralysed by choice! Now that ive got my gear im not sure what to build! My original plan was a hex tarp with a 3m ridgeline and caternery edges but im starting to.doubt my abilities and am wondering if i should build a square tarp instead? A 2.5 sq tarp would be very handy for both ground and hammock camping (diamond hang) but the ridgeline seam if i did that wouldnt be along the ridgeline (diag across the hang) which im not sure is a good idea.
help!!!!

[perfectlydark]

Still gotten nowhere on this. Perhaps the idea of an all-in-one tarp isnt the way to go?
question for those that know, how important is it for the seam to be along the ridgeline (both ground and hammock)? InstiNct tells me very, as even a well done and sealed seam anywhere else could be pulled apart enough to allow moisture through, if not ripped

[Moondog55]

I need to know the same thing, but I see lots of silnylon tarps with no joins along the ridge and they seem strong enough.
I was going to sew mine as it came but I would be using mine as a lean-to and not over a hammock

[perfectlydark]

If you find anything let me know! Ive been doing a bit of research online but all i can find are either tarps without a seam at all, or its down the ridgeline. Some of these must be getting made from a wide peice of material!

[simonm]

I am pretty sure Evan does a tarp that has the seam across rather than length ways. Just checked yep the Wilderness tarp http://www.terrarosagear.com/tarpshelters.htm. I have also made a tarp that can be strung up a number of ways including one in which the seam is across ways but I have not used it pitched like that yet.

[perfectlydark]

Ah thanks simon. Interesting. Im still a little hesitant on the concept but it looks like it could be done.

[andrewa]

I would make the seam along the ridge line, because you can then put a vague catenary in it, and the tarp will pitch taughter. Also, if using the ridge line as the primary tying out points, you will prob have stronger attachment to the triple/quadruple fabric in that seam ( flat felled or the cheats flat felled seam, which is to sew it together, invert the seam, and sew again just beyond the raw edges, and then use 1 or 2 rows of stitching to sew this down along the seam, which then looks like a flat felled seam) than you would to a tie out point just attached to the hem, however, having said this, I don't always use the ridge as the primary tying out point - sometimes we just use the 4 corners.

Also factor in that silinylon stretches when wet, and a sewn centre seam may provide useful "rigidity" to the project.

A

[ofuros]

You don't have to have seam along the ridgeline, perfectlydark.
My first attempt here viewtopic.php?f=53&t=13859&p=184750&hilit=lil+red+tarp#p184750 is a very simple design,
with a seamless ridgeline.
I had to widen the the tarp width by adding a 2 thin triangular panels as can be seen in the pics.
Just don't forget reinforce your ridgeline tieouts to spread the load.

As andrewa says above, if you want a cantenary cut ridgeline for a tighter pitch, it's probably not the route to take,
but if you want a simple, hassle free, feel good, first attempt this may be an option.

Enjoy the learning process......with success, new skill confidence, your next tarp will be more refined.

[perfectlydark]

Andrew that was my line of thinking on the topic, in particular the seam strength for the ridgeline tie outs.
Oforus you got me thinking again haha! Its funny how something as simple as a tarp can have so many ways to.do it.
half day today and resiging myself to cut fabric so im committed

[andrewa]

Nothing better than the first cut in fabric - there's no going back, and it's amazing how the project pretty well invariably works out, regardless.

A

[perfectlydark]

Bit the bullet and got started. Cut my peices out. Going with a cat cut hex tarp (original plan). Cutting the curves (actually marking them) was the tricky part given the space i had but the wife helped hold it up so i could draw a line. Used the first peice as a template for even lines. Should get some sewing done this weekend!

[perfectlydark]

Its been a long night and many curse words were used but finally my tarp is complete the stitching isnt pretty, pparticularly near the tie outs but it should be functional. Test pitch and pics tomorrow

[simonm]

Well done. Looking forward to photo's.

[perfectlydark]

Ok pitched this morning with walking sticks, im very happy with how it turned out! The curves came out nicely, tieouts dont look stressed and got a taut pitch without really trying. Its a bit short to sleep directly under in the event of bad weather so im thinking of adding a large removable beak to one end. Very roomy underneath and would work well as is for a hammock

[neilmny]

Looks good perfectlydark and if my stitching looks like that first go I'll be fairly happy.

[perfectlydark]

Thanks mate. Sneakily i only showed a picture of the nice looking corner..you dont want to see the others hehe

[simonm]

Looks good mate. I should show you some of my first hammocks - not a straight stitch to be seen.

[perfectlydark]

Thanks simon. Yeah it doesnt bother me a whole lot to be honest, i mean i wouldnt pay for it but it works
Appreciate the tips and advice from everyone here

[beean]

Nice work mate. Just throw on a bit of seam seal and let us know how it goes in the wild!

[perfectlydark]

Yep thats the next step! Thanks

[perfectlydark]

How to define frustrating. Having 2 tieouts to add to the inner net but having a sewin machine that refused to work anymore.
i got my net done which would hang under this tarp but just cant hang it due to the lack of tieouts! I gave the machine an oil and clean so might try today but frankly i can let it sit a week or so hehe

[perfectlydark]

Ok finished the net off today. I love it. One downside..the tarp now seems a bit too small. The net is perfect and slightly larger (higher and wider) than i initially planned but glad i went bigger, very roomy in.

[perfectlydark]

Sorry for the sideways shots my phone does that

[neilmny]

Will the dip in the tarp ridge create a drip point onto/into the inner at all?

[perfectlydark]

That was mainly poor pitching by me, had the poles too high just wanted a quick hang for.some.photos. once seam sealed though shouldnt be an issue. Main potential issue with the tarp is depending on pitch height the end tie outs lift the corner a bit higher than id like but can be rectified with a better pitch

[Redback]

Nice effort, I like your cats.

[andrewa]

And I fell for that, and went back over the photos looking for moggies!

Nicely done. Pitches well, and a useful first project too.

Did you make the net inner too?

A

[perfectlydark]

Thanks yes i made the net this weekend. Im more happy with that than the tarp, came out very neat. Cant tell in the photos but the entry is at the front and i used velcro to seal it, it seems like it should keep everything out

[perfectlydark]

Seam sealed yesterday and have it out to dry. I find a nice low pitch works best with the shape of the curves. So easter weekend will be taking it out. Will be a good trip with first use of EE quilt and my new Exped synmat as well. Looking forward to it!

[simonm]

Enjoy the trip. Let's hope for some rain so the tarp get's a good test.