So, I got my 3 apex quilt kits done and moved to the silpoly tarp. I wanted one, but also thought it would be a good way to practice before tackling the pyramid I have planned. So, I used the full width of the silpoly I got and cut two pieces 10' long. I managed to get the center seam done, joining the two together. I'm glad I am doing this project-it definitely helps with some confidence before going for the big tent.
Now I'm trying to figure out exactly how I want to do the rest, specifically the tie out points and reinforcement. I'm thinking of using the leftover 1.0 Robic that I used for the exterior of my quilts for reinforcement. It's not waterproof, but the silpoly is. Anyone have thoughts on what would be good to use for the reinforcement without adding needless weight by overdoing it? How big of a "patch" do you suggest for the reinforcements? I've seen some with triangular pieces, then round ones in the body of the tarp. Also, how would you go about attaching the reinforcement pieces? I watched one guy who in essence glued them onto the tarp with what I can only assume (?) was thinned silicone like for seam sealing, then he stitched it after it dried. Does it matter if you go through the step of gluing it on? Part of my brain thinks that would be good?
For tie outs, would grosgrain work? Better to try and stitch in some dyneema cord of some sort? The cord is so small, I can't help but wonder if I could get enough stitches into it to hold well? I plan on doing some straps at each end of the main center seam, then tie out points at each corner, then 3 more evenly spaced between the corners (that includes 1 between the center seem loop and the corners). That gives me 16 around the perimeter. Then, I figured on doing 4 more on the body of the tent-2 on each "half", evenly spaced from the ends (dividing it into thirds, if that makes sense).
Last, I'm trying to decide which should be the inside. I may be over thinking things, but which side would you put towards the elements? The more finished center seam, or the part that got folded over and stitched? The reinforcement go on the inside, or the outside? The straps around the perimeter; stitch the tail of it on the underside? Somewhere I saw somebody mentioned making the exterior of a tarp or tent as smooth as possible to let it shed rain the best. Plus, I suppose any webbing/strap material on the inside would hopefully not soak up as much water?
Anyway, thanks to anyone who can share their experiences. I really appreciate it.
Jeremy
Now I'm trying to figure out exactly how I want to do the rest, specifically the tie out points and reinforcement. I'm thinking of using the leftover 1.0 Robic that I used for the exterior of my quilts for reinforcement. It's not waterproof, but the silpoly is. Anyone have thoughts on what would be good to use for the reinforcement without adding needless weight by overdoing it? How big of a "patch" do you suggest for the reinforcements? I've seen some with triangular pieces, then round ones in the body of the tarp. Also, how would you go about attaching the reinforcement pieces? I watched one guy who in essence glued them onto the tarp with what I can only assume (?) was thinned silicone like for seam sealing, then he stitched it after it dried. Does it matter if you go through the step of gluing it on? Part of my brain thinks that would be good?
For tie outs, would grosgrain work? Better to try and stitch in some dyneema cord of some sort? The cord is so small, I can't help but wonder if I could get enough stitches into it to hold well? I plan on doing some straps at each end of the main center seam, then tie out points at each corner, then 3 more evenly spaced between the corners (that includes 1 between the center seem loop and the corners). That gives me 16 around the perimeter. Then, I figured on doing 4 more on the body of the tent-2 on each "half", evenly spaced from the ends (dividing it into thirds, if that makes sense).
Last, I'm trying to decide which should be the inside. I may be over thinking things, but which side would you put towards the elements? The more finished center seam, or the part that got folded over and stitched? The reinforcement go on the inside, or the outside? The straps around the perimeter; stitch the tail of it on the underside? Somewhere I saw somebody mentioned making the exterior of a tarp or tent as smooth as possible to let it shed rain the best. Plus, I suppose any webbing/strap material on the inside would hopefully not soak up as much water?
Anyway, thanks to anyone who can share their experiences. I really appreciate it.
Jeremy
