It seems like there are two major approaches to sewing tarp ridge seams are flat felled seams and french seams with grosgain folded over the top. It seems to me that the flat felled seam is easier to sew and will be lighter. Are the french seams less likely to leak? It seems like they could be better in this respect because there are no needle holes going through the tarp in the finished product. What are your experiences here?
I have one DIY tarp to my name, and I used a flat felled seam for the ridgeline. It's worked great for me, but I have been curious about trying a french seam. I don't know if the french seam is any easier or better than flat felled, but if sewn right, the french seam doesn't need to be seam sealed (I think?).
EDIT: For whatever it might be worth, I didn't seam seal my flat felled seam either, and it has never leaked. It's been through some torrential rainstorms, and a few snowstorms.
That's really good to know. I have the materials and am planning to sew a couple of tarps this spring. It's tough having a family of 6 that all want to be fully outfitted for hammock camping!
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