Two tone seamless ridge line tarp

[Jahull]

Who has tried their hand at making a two tone, side seam, seamless ridge-line tarp? Seems like an awesome idea!

I first saw an example when I saw Streamline's two color tarp design with no ridgeline seam. I thought it was super cool! I've tried to dig into the search and see if it's been discussed here, but I haven't found much!

Has it been discussed anywhere that I've missed? Maybe I'm calling it the wrong thing? Two tone? Two color? Side seam? Seamless Ridgeline?

Here's the thread where I originally saw the tarp design. It seems like a very highly praised design.

The design was discussed and admired briefly here. That thread showed promise, but didn't go very deep.

And here's another Streamline two-tone tarp:
"tarp horror"

Looks to me like the no-ridgeline seam, side-seam, two tone tarp idea is pretty awesome.

Benefits as I understand:

• Looks super cool
• No ridgeline seam to leak
• Side seams may not need to be sealed either
• more efficient use of material?
• Looks awesome... Oops. already said that.

*edit* more benefits from discussion in the thread:

• Rolled seam can be made such that water would flow over the seam, rather than into the thread and holes
• Tie-Outs can be sewed into the seam at the same time, making them easier and stronger
• Seamless ridge line eliminates issues with CRL tarp suspension.
• Takes less floor space to lay out since the seams are shorter.

Drawbacks:

• More Sewing (two seams, each less than the ridgeline length, but potentially longer combined)
• I only have one color of Sil... This would compel me to buy another
• Un-confirmed whether the side-seam is truly unnecessary to seal. Wouldn't a tight pitch end up stretching the stitch holes a little and open up a pathway for water?
• Not sure how a side seam would affect the pitch, or how durable it would be since it's in a higher stress location.

Has anyone tried their hand at putting the seam on the side? Why is it so seldom mentioned? Is it a lot harder to sew?

[WaffleBox]

My best guess is there are only so many people who are willing to try ideas that are radically different from the "normal" way of doing things.

[Yojimbo]

My first attempt at a sil tarp had side seams like you are asking. I did it this way to be more effecient and have less scrap. Only had one color of sil though. I have an old Kelty tarp that is two-tone as you asked. The middle section is lighter colored so it appears lighter underneath. While the sides are nice plum color. I also have two Coleman tarps that are blue/gray. These tarps are large enough that they also have a ridge line seam.
I've thought about reversing the colors to put dark in the middle for more shade in the daytime. Leaving sides lighter so I don't feel totally enclosed.

Can't justify buying more sil to try this out though. I've already made 4 tarps out of my factory 3rds. How many do I need?

On the side seams. I did not seal them and have had now leaking. Also the side seam seems a good place to add pull outs.

[geneaut]

Can't justify buying more sil to try this out though. I've already made 4 tarps out of my factory 3rds. How many do I need?

The correct answer is 5

[gargoyle]

It is more cutting and sewing. I've done it a few times. Structurally it doesn't seem to be an issue. Seam seal when the sewing is completed.

[GreatBigDave]

The correct answer is 5

Based on the n=h+1 gear formula. n:need, h:have

[jeffjenn]

I've already made 4 tarps out of my factory 3rds. How many do I need?

The answer is always the same for any gear....

JUST ONE MORE

[xxl_hanger]

Benefits as I understand:

• No ridgeline seam to leak
• Side seams may not need to be sealed either (if sewn in the right way)
• more efficient use of material

I would undersign this and see only the drawback that sewing a second seam is a bit more work. You can even try it transparent if you do'nt like to buy a color.

[ksbcrocks]

I haven't seen this before but it looks pretty cool. I'm definitely interested in possibly doing this if I ever need to make a new hex tarp.

[xxl_hanger]

I see four additional benefits:

[x] to cut out the fabric with two smaller pieces can be much easier than with two larger pieces especially for people with small flats.
[x] even cat cuts and templates can be made easier
[x] continuous RL below the tarp possible without major concerns (ask warbonnetguy why he dislikes continuous tarp RLs)
[x] tarp pullouts can be made on the side seams. This can make them much stronger and there will be no need to seal them

I would make on both sides a twill tape rolled seam with slightly elastic Nylon or Polyamid grosgrain ribbon. This can be very strong and a bit elastic to compensate the tension on the seam and it can be done in a way that will be 100% water proof without sealing. The seam can be made on the outside of the fabric with the seam facing the ground. That way water has no chance to go under the tarp. I expect it will behave like on a ski-jumping hill.

Decision is made. My first DIY silnylon (or better silpoly or cuben fiber) tarp will be a side seam tarp. It can be unicolor. Don't need two colors on a tarp.