Just Starting

MYOG is really a matter of pleasing yourself with your final efforts. First consideration is will it do the job effectively at the weight you are shooting for. If you make covered seams with little more than something like thread with a serging stich or a flat felled type seam you will save weight leaving out seam covering materials. The reality is you will probably stuff a liner bag in your pack and never see the inside of it over the miles of hiking you will do with it. IMO show off your abilities and make it as appealing as you like on the outside and don't sweat the aesthetics inside. At the point it starts to drive you nuts take a close look at some of the commercially sewn stuff you own and you will see most of it is not exactly perfect either. We just overlook a lot when were not looking for it. Have fun makin' stuff!

Ive been wanting a hammock shelter so I may start out with that or a pole tent. I've been looking for a material list for the best way to add grommets.

Rough Edges — Aesthetics aside, this is usually done to prevent fraying. You can purchase "bias tape" and sew it over the rough edges (I've also used strips of fabric but then you get into folding the sides in so that those rough ends are hidden too…it's not hard if you fold and iron but it takes up time too). …If you sear the ends of fabric (or cut edges with a hot knife) then you won't have "frayed edges" to unravel as easily. Overall, I feel as though this is really a matter of preference. I generally stick to rolled hems and french seams which hides rough ends automatically but that also increases the difficultly (especially on curved seams) Tyvek Grommets — I'd just buy some pre-made ones since you're so green (Grommets are not hard to do but the "stick it and forget it" methods will let you focus on other stuff) By far the biggest tip for a beginner is to make sure you plan well and are sure you are cutting/sewing right before you start. I've had to pull out way too many seams because I was in a rush and sewed a panel on backwards or loose fabric got sewn into a seam underneath…sort of the "measure twice, cut once" mantra.

So I went to Lowes to see/touch this tyvek but it didn't look or feel much different than the typical blue tarp material. Other than it being white the material description was waterproof/breathable. I'm still creepin local construction sites but I've missed out on scraps. I've come to the conclusion I'll make myself a tent and a hammock shelter then donate my store bought gear to my brother. Doing more research on BPL I've seen some of you use adhesives and tape instead of sewing. I know one thing I want to start ASAP but I'll just need to take my time.

I think Tyvek is okay for a groundcloth Heavy for a tent. Plus, you don't need the breathability for a tent. Silnylon is pretty cheap 2 or 3 mil polyethylene is okay, especially as a prototype that doesn't last too many nights

Exactly how does a hiking pole fit into the center of the tents? I've noticed some of you use cord (paracord?) for the corners connected to grommets. Do you guys use 550 cord or smaller?

Exactly how does a hiking pole fit into the center of the tents? I've noticed some of you use cord (paracord?) for the corners connected to grommets. Do you guys use 550 cord or smaller?

If you have the handle end of a treking pole up, you just put the tent over it. The tent fabric should be reinforced with a circle of heavier fabric so it doesn't poke through. I just use a 0.44 inch diameter aluminum pole, same thing, reinforce top with a circle of fabric.