Making a Tarp - Questions about design, materials and methods?

[BigShot]

Hi folks.

After seeing the NW Woodsman tarp a while ago and being reminded about it in recent threads, I've been wondering what would be involved in making a tarp of my own.

I think something big enough to sleep 2 in relative comfort when set up like the NW Woodsman tarp in pyramid tent mode would be best.
I'll probably make it from a rather low-tech fabirc (so not some fancy waterproof ripstop bells and whistles jobbie) like cotton/canvas/hemp and the likes.



Where would one go about getting suitable fabrics in the right size to make a 1-piece tarp?

Is a 1-piece one desirable or is it better to seam in the middle somewhere?

What fabric would be better to go for and is there much price difference between them?

Would a large, decorator's dust sheet do the job?

Is there likely to be any prepartion to do before making the tarp? Maybe washing it on a hot cycle or something? I dunno.

What material/methods are best for seams, hems, tabs, and the likes?

Is there much difference in use and durability between eyelets near the hem and tabs/loops stitched over the hem for guys and pegs?

What's the best way to waterproof natural fibres, and do they add a lot of weight?


I think that's probably enough for now. I only intended to ask a couple of questions but the more I asked the more I realised I don't know so just put them all down!


Thanks to anyone who takes the time to read and reply to some or all of the above.

 

[pwb]

Hi BigShot.
I recently bought a copy of John Fenna's DIY Bushcrafting Gear book and he covers making a giant basha, might be worth a look.
Also contains advice on seams etc:

http://www.bushcraftuk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=34704&highlight=diy+gear+book

Hope this is of help, Pete.

 

[Mesquite]

Have a look at Addos thread about making his own cotton tarp

 

[ladanddad]

Hi bigshot

car'nt rember where i saw i but i read that you could use thompsons water seal or similar, the stuff you would use on a roof. no idea how much weight this would add and not having tried this myself not sure if its good advice or some one having a laugh.

been looking at making a tarp my self and come to a couple of conclusions
1. unless using really cheep materials that probably wont last for long its cheeper to buy try looking on ebay.
2. unless you only plan to sleep on the ground a tarp each could be more use, extra space chance to use a hammock and probably others i havent thought of

there is a thread else where on the forum about hammok making with links to a firm selling parachute material at 0.99£m

iam new to all this so someone will probably point out how wrong i am but i hope ive been of some use

let use know how you get on

good luck dave

 

[BigShot]

ladanddad - it's usually the case that making 1-off is cheaper to buy - especially if you need to get any new tools for the job. Think I've got everything I need already, but hadn't thought about the fabric cost being potentially higher than just buying one.


Mesquite - thanks for that link.
Come to think of it, I think I had a skim read of that thread before.


Puub - I've been meaning to get a copy of that. Thanks for the kick up the backside about it - I'll probably order one in the next week or so.

 

[Shewie]

Have a look at Profabrics website Bigshot, they should have all the materials you need once you know what you want to do.

http://www.profabrics.co.uk/index.php

 

[BigShot]

Thanks for the link Shewie.

 

[Wink]

Try here

http://www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk/catalogue.asp?cID=1

 

[BigShot]

Cheers, Wink.

 

[V8Mondo]

I make my own gear when I can. I only make tarps for my Hammocks...they are lightweight and totally waterproof. They are usually in a hexagon shape to be used in various formats for different weather conditions...but the size/shape is up to you. Mine are L 3.5m x W 3.0m to cover the hammock. It helps if you can use a sewing machine or know someone who can...

First, I would use a 'lightweight' waterproof fabric - easy to pack and carry !
You can use heavier weights of fabric if you wish as you have to carry it...

1) Ripstop PU coated Nylon - 2oz or 4oz (Many colours inc. Camo available).

2) Silnylon - Silicone Impregnated Nylon (US) or Ripstop Silicone Elastomer Nylon (UK)
[This matters when you search for the stuff online as UK websites dont use the US terms] Not easy to get hold of though and more expensive.

Second, you will need a small quantity of slightly stronger fabric like 210D cordura for the corner attachment points for strength at this location. Use a small triangle of this material on the corner to support the loops or whatever you are using.

It is best to run 20-25mm wide 'GrosGrain' webbing (pronounced Growgrain) around the edges to strengthen them after hemming them. With extra attachments if you want them.

Always box stitch the corners and attachment points. Always use 100% Polyester thread it is strong, light and hydrophobic. (Guttermans is the one to get - industrial strength stuff available on ebay for a few pounds per large reel).

You can use small lengths of webbing to make the loops with box stitching for strength or even use brass D loops or Eyelets if you wish. You will need lops on the top 'apex' also.

The fabric comes in various widths. I use 1.5m width fabric cut to length, then sewn and taped at the apex to double the width. PU seam tape works best here to waterproof the seam on PU Nylon.

If you use the Silnylon you should use 100% Silicone sealant - the stuff in a tube. PU seam tape will peel off of Silnylon over time.

Some Links for gear materials:

http://www.shelby.fi/catalog/default.php?cPath=22_29_165

http://www.profabrics.co.uk/snap_product_search.php?search=true&category=Fabrics

http://www.fabricuk.com

http://www.hendersontextiles.co.uk/nylon.html





Hope this helps...

 

[andywinkk]

I make my own gear when I can. I only make tarps for my Hammocks...they are lightweight and totally waterproof. They are usually in a hexagon shape to be used in various formats for different weather conditions...but the size/shape is up to you. Mine are L 3.5m x W 3.0m to cover the hammock. It helps if you can use a sewing machine or know someone who can...

First, I would use a 'lightweight' waterproof fabric - easy to pack and carry !
You can use heavier weights of fabric if you wish as you have to carry it...

1) Ripstop PU coated Nylon - 2oz or 4oz (Many colours inc. Camo available).

2) Silnylon - Silicone Impregnated Nylon (US) or Ripstop Silicone Elastomer Nylon (UK)
[This matters when you search for the stuff online as UK websites dont use the US terms] Not easy to get hold of though and more expensive.

Second, you will need a small quantity of slightly stronger fabric like 210D cordura for the corner attachment points for strength at this location. Use a small triangle of this material on the corner to support the loops or whatever you are using.

It is best to run 20-25mm wide 'GrosGrain' webbing (pronounced Growgrain) around the edges to strengthen them after hemming them. With extra attachments if you want them.

Always box stitch the corners and attachment points. Always use 100% Polyester thread it is strong, light and hydrophobic. (Guttermans is the one to get - industrial strength stuff available on ebay for a few pounds per large reel).

You can use small lengths of webbing to make the loops with box stitching for strength or even use brass D loops or Eyelets if you wish. You will need lops on the top 'apex' also.

The fabric comes in various widths. I use 1.5m width fabric cut to length, then sewn and taped at the apex to double the width. PU seam tape works best here to waterproof the seam on PU Nylon.

If you use the Silnylon you should use 100% Silicone sealant - the stuff in a tube. PU seam tape will peel off of Silnylon over time.

Some Links for gear materials:

http://www.shelby.fi/catalog/default.php?cPath=22_29_165

http://www.profabrics.co.uk/snap_product_search.php?search=true&category=Fabrics

http://www.fabricuk.com

http://www.hendersontextiles.co.uk/nylon.html





Hope this helps...

I deal with hendersons in manchester very good company