Tarp edges

[Gallen1119]

Any tips on that? The hemming foot for me just ends up creating a singly-folded hem, making the fray visible above.

I watch several YouTube videos and then just practiced. It's a matter of getting "roll" started and then feeding evenly. https://youtu.be/GdDysubNrdM

[foxrun]

Do the rolled hem. You don't want to spend all of that time and $ on something that might not last. Do it right the first time and you will be better off in the long run...

[Boston]

Is there a benefit to using a rolled hem around the edge of a tarp rather than a simple fold? I mean, if the hem will end up facing the inside, is the increased difficulty of the rolled hem worth the look? I'd rather go simple with the fold and don't care that much about looks.

If you think a rolled hem is difficult to sew, I suggest more practice. A tarp is a good project to practice sewing long rolled hems. ;-)

But seriously, there's no reason NOT to. A simple folded hem isn't really going to be any easier. I also don't recommend trying to use a hemming foot until you have the ability to sew a decent rolled hem free-hand (no pins). It's a good skill to have if you're making gear.

[gunner76]

I do my rolled hems in two passes as I can never get the fabric to stay still when I roll it twice and try to sew once.

[Caminante]

I agree with the majority opinion that a simple folded him has a lot of drawbacks and doesn't offer any value for the amount of effort you invest. The rolled hem is superior in pretty much every way.

One tip I have is to use clips instead of pins - much faster on the perimeter and less prickly. The only place I use pins on a tarp is for the first pass on the ridge line where I want the upper and lower fabric to be well coupled so that they feed evenly.

[Rynomcavoy]

Thanks for the replies. There was a video by Fronkey that showed (or at least I thought it showed) him using just a folded hem on the tarp edge, so I just got that idea. I'll go ahead and try to clip instead of pin the edges and slowly work my way around with the rolled hem.


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[Junebugdawn]

You can actually fold as you go, no pinning or clipping required. I crease about an inch or so of fabric fold over and fold again, put under the Presser foot and pull the needle down through the fabric. Then I just work in sections of about 6" folding over and again, sew that section, then repeat. I make my hems about 1/4" wide. As the machine pulls the fabric through, the fabric automatically wants to fold itself into a rolled hem. I just have to be sure I'm maintaining an even hem size.

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[gmcttr]

Here's a link to a previous thread/post with a video showing how I handle a rolled hem by hand...https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...=1#post1078404

Practice a little on scrap fabric and it becomes very easy to do.

[Junebugdawn]

^^^^^^^Yes, this EXACTLY! ^^^^^^^^

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[Carrico]

Using a Iron will help set the hem, just be careful and don't leave it on one spot too long or it could melt through the fabric or affect the water proofing.