HELP, survival tarp

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pikey30

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Sep 9, 2004
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Im ready to begn sewing my survival tarp, im using modified plans from jardine's lightweight hiking book. I just wanted to know what to use to sew with (what kind of thread) and where i could find thin nylon webbing. thanks.
 
for thin nylon webbing look for nylon edge tape. it is used on backpacks and other bags to prevent fraying of edges.
 
Try outdoor wilderness fabrics. they are located in Nampa Id. they will have most everything you will ever want or need.
www.owfinc.com
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Looks like they moved to Caldwell Id.
 
i can't remembe the name of it, but i think it is called seam tape...you iron it onto the edge of the fabric and fold it over and iron the other side, so the tarp material is in the middle. you cna then stitch it and it is quite durable....

correct me if i named the material wrong :footinmou
 
Nylon thread for nylon fabric. Polyester for polyester. Both fabrics will cut cotton thread. Eleven stitches/inch is a pretty good target to aim for.

Quality tent-makers often use a hot cutter that melts the cut edges - prevents fraying. I suppose an old iron on its higest setting might accomplish ths same -- or a hot soldering iron/wood-burning iron run carefully along the edge.

Good quality nylon webbing will not need edging unless it has begun to wear. In such a case, edging will reinforce the webbing and extend its life -- at a price in weight.
 
What about kevlar thread? Is it worthwhile?
 
Kevlar, as I understand it, is a type of nylon with strength and resistance to heat greatly in excess of nylon used for tarps. I don't think there's much benefit in thread so much stronger than the fabric, and it may cut through the fabric under shearing forces created by wind -- the reverse of the problem with cotton thread used to sew nylon or polyester.
 
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