Rolled Hem on Catenary Cuts

[swalkerv]

UPDATE: Ok, so here's the deal: When I stretch the sides out all the twists disappear. So when the tarp is up and taught, they shouldn't be visible. Is it possible my stitch width / length is off?

[Flatliner]

Looking at the pic in your first post, based on my personal experience, you are pulling on the fabric too much as you are sewing it. I'm not an expert but my nylon hems used to look like that until I stopped my tugging on the fabric.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[swalkerv]

Looking at the pic in your first post, based on my personal experience, you are pulling on the fabric too much as you are sewing it. I'm not an expert but my nylon hems used to look like that until I stopped my tugging on the fabric.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I won't disagree! I had to wrestle it a bit because after it passed through the needle the fabric continually pulled to the left (even with the fabric that had already passed through weighted down to reduce pull...) I'm wondering if the curves cause it to pull?

[skater]

You never know... Might be the very thing keeping me up.

With bears, raccoons, crazed humans, widowmakers and lightning to worry about, if you have time to worry about a hem, seek professional help. 😁

[swalkerv]

I want to thank everyone who commented and provided me input. I stepped away from the tarp for a bit and came back fresh with renewed energy... I ended up using a number of suggestions from this thread and the hems turned out nearly perfect. First of all, I used wonder tape for the first fold which REALLY helped keep things consistent. I then rolled it a second time and put clips on it every 3-4 inches. It was definitely overkill but it really helped keep thing consistent throughout. I just took my time and worked my way around the tarp and it turned out great! All in all, the tarp turned out better than I could have imagined for a first tarp... Here are some pictures of the end result. I know the next tarp will take half the time and be much better but I sure am happy with this one!

IMG_0543.JPG
IMG_0516.JPG
IMG_0550.JPG

[kitsapcowboy]

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence; way to stick with your project and see it through!

[MAD777]

Wonderful tarp! Not only does it look good, but will protect you from rain, wind, and bird poop (after which it won't look so good) LOL

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[swalkerv]

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence; way to stick with your project and see it through!

Thanks kitsapcowboy! That means a lot. It took a lot for me to walk a way and re-approach it fresh. I probably spent 4 hours hemming, then pulling hems out, hemming, pulling hems out... With some patience, a breath of fresh air, and the thoughtful suggestions of everyone on HF, I went from:
before.jpg
to
after.jpg

[Flatliner]

Very nicely done. Here's to many nights of happy wilderness slumber under it: cheers...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[MAD777]

That's better than any hem I ever did & I've done a mile of hem!

Now I have a complex! LOL

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk