how about 3-strand nylon or polyester? surely thats gota be cheeper, plenty strong enough and you could perminately splice it to your tarp
I make my own plant fibre cordage in whatever size I need, it does not come any less expensive than that. Cordage is easy to make and reasonable fast once you get the hang of it. When I am constructing a more permanent primitive shelter in the woods I make my own cordage on the spot. I have also made fishing line.
Le Loup.