MYOG First 3×3 Tarp

Nice tarp. Nice video. I like that fabric. How much does it weigh?

It's probably over-engineered, but that's okay.

Zigzag stitch only needed for seams going into corners, because that's where the fabric stretches most, and the thread doesn't (assuming you're using polyester) so you need zigzag to prevent thread from breaking.

Your pullouts don't need triangle reinforcement pieces – just sew through hem and it's strong enough.

You don't need the nylon line along the ridgeline – just pull on both edges and let the nylon fabric take the load.

Just for consideration of someone else doing a tarp. Actually, those don't add significant time or weight so may as well do it.

Thanks for the pointers,

its my first tarp it weighs about 800g including guy lines all round and ridge line.

As its my first one I didnt want to take any chances, its a PU coated ripstop, so I know it gives a bit and the zigzag is not a bother to sew.

I did a lot of testing on the tie outs and bounced myself on a few designs until I landed on this one. I wanted it to last a long time, its mainly for woodland and bushcraft, so it needed to take a few dropped twigs, small branches and stuff I needed robust rather than lightweight.

You've got skills on the sewing machine, that's for sure. I, being a silly and backwards American, automatically assumed it was a 3ft x 3ft square tarp and thought maybe you had a small dog you brought camping. 9 square meters is much better.

Is that paracord you're using for your guylines? If so, you may want to consider something that doesn't stretch like spectra/dyneema, it may save you some sagging or time spent re-tightening.

But the tarp looks great! Very robust

same here – 3 ft x 3 ft? – I actually made a tarp that size to go over my head end – works if there's just a bit of drizzle

Ooo dog tarp / portable kennel awesome :)

I did think about dyneema but its really expensive in comparison, i do have small shock cord auto tensioners on so that will help a bit.

I have some micro and nano paracord on order so that might be an option :)

in total it cost about £36 or $57 so trying to keep costs down.