Tarp ridgeline seams

[simonm]

Hey all,

A gripe of mine with lighter weight fabrics is the elongation of stitch holes when a flat felled seam or top stitched french seam is used. Its probably one of the reasons I went with a ridgeline made with binding tape on my hammock tarps. I like to crank my tarps pretty tight and always worry about those stitch holes.

The latest seam is kind of like a double rolled flat felled seam in which you are stitching through a minimum of 4 layers of fabrics. It seems to create a stronger seam with very little elongation of the stitch holes, so potentially will be more waterproof and more durable.

I was wondering what people's experience of standard tarp seams have been - am I solving a problem that does not need to be solved? Have people seen a seam like this used before?

Top side of seam

Bottom side of seam

[Mickl]

I'm the same and like to really pull the ridgeline tight so am of a similar thought pattern to you. I would rather something like that added to a tarp if it wasn't going to add heaps of weight and only add strength. I can only see that as a positive even if it wasn't something you were worried about!

[simonm]

Hi Mickl - Until I get a machine that sews a lapped seam, I think it is a good compromise. I am making a tarp with this seam now for my kids so will see how it goes and then I will put up some instructions.

[Bogong Moth]

Over the weekend I was looking up at the tent inner on my (20-year-old) Macpac tent, and the seams on the roof of the tent inner looked extremely similar or identical to yours (and it definitely wasn't a conventional lapped seam), and I was thinking that it was clever workmanship.

I've not had issues with hole elongation with tarps with time, however all my older tarps are of a heavier fabric anyway. HOWEVER, I have noted that particular problem as the 'weak point' where some clothing starts to wear out first, so I think your point is valid.

That video reminded me that I should hunt down that extra spool pin so I can use that double needle on my machine...

[simonm]

Bogong Moth - That's interesting Re: the Macpac tent.

[Scottyk]

Check out this video for how a pro sews flat felled seams. He's making hot air balloons but the same applies for tents
http://www.apexballoons.com/projects/#sewingvideo

[simonm]

Check out this video for how a pro sews flat felled seams. He's making hot air balloons but the same applies for tents
http://www.apexballoons.com/projects/#sewingvideo

That is impressive.

[Scottyk]

Check out this video for how a pro sews flat felled seams. He's making hot air balloons but the same applies for tents
http://www.apexballoons.com/projects/#sewingvideo

That is impressive.

makes it look so easy too

[simonm]

Check out this video for how a pro sews flat felled seams. He's making hot air balloons but the same applies for tents
http://www.apexballoons.com/projects/#sewingvideo

That is impressive.

makes it look so easy too

I am off to practice.

[undercling-mike]

Check out this video for how a pro sews flat felled seams. He's making hot air balloons but the same applies for tents
http://www.apexballoons.com/projects/#sewingvideo

Very impressive to be freehanding a seam like that! I guess you would get tons of practice making hot air baloons!