which ridge line seam to use with sil argon tarp?

**stevebo** · 07-28-2014, 11:05

Hey guys, has anyone used the "flat-felled/french seam hybrid " shown on DIY gear supplys sewing guide? If so, how did it work for you?

**VictoriaGuy** · 07-28-2014, 11:51

I tried the DIYGS flat-felled hybrid seam on some scrap material.
DIYGS- hybrid flat felled seam.jpg

I found it was tricky to get the 'middle' step completed neatly without running a ruler/stick 'inside' the work. Pressing the seam open would work with some fabrics, but I never have much luck with pressing coated nylon.

So, I continued with 'my usual' which is a standard flat-felled seam
DIAG5.jpg
but I don't 'stagger' or 'trim back' one side when I'm working with light material. I just roll both thicknesses under and stitch down.

YMMV - best to practice on some scrap, I suppose.

EDIT: I won't ever use the grosgrain style, but it works for others. Perhaps one to consider.

**Mouseskowitz** · 07-28-2014, 16:26

We did the flat-felled on a couple tarps, but did grosgrain on the last one and so far I like it.

**boulderv7** · 07-28-2014, 16:39

I used the flat felled seam on my Argon sil tarp. Worked like a champ. I like it more than the hybrid. YMMV.

**MAD777** · 07-28-2014, 17:09

I use a flat felled seam. Instead of staggering the edges, I line them up and sew, and then I cut one edge half-way back before folding and sewing it down.

I used to stagger the edges from the get-go, but found that it messed up my symmetry at the ends of the ridgeline.

**craige** · 07-28-2014, 18:51

I tried it but changed my mind because in the second step I ended up with the two sides of centre somehow. To be fair it was only my second time using a sewing machine but I definitely found the flat felled seam to be much more foolproof and I doubt there is much, if any difference in strength or water resistance.

**VictoriaGuy** · 07-28-2014, 19:39

Originally Posted by craige

I tried it but changed my mind because in the second step I ended up with the two sides off centre somehow.

I had the exact same problem, from the sound of it.

**craige** · 07-28-2014, 19:43

I couldn't work it out at the time, but now I've got a little more experience I think it must've been the feed dogs pulling the bottom layer of sil through faster than the top layer.

**Mouseskowitz** · 07-29-2014, 01:00

Originally Posted by craige

I couldn't work it out at the time, but now I've got a little more experience I think it must've been the feed dogs pulling the bottom layer of sil through faster than the top layer.

Two thoughts on that. Make sure that the pressure from your presser foot is not too high, can cause too much friction between the foot and the top fabric. As I haven't mastered the pressure adjustment, I cheat and use a walking foot. I don't know how readily available they are on that side of the pond though.

**craige** · 07-29-2014, 03:36

Originally Posted by Mouseskowitz

Two thoughts on that. Make sure that the pressure from your presser foot is not too high, can cause too much friction between the foot and the top fabric. As I haven't mastered the pressure adjustment, I cheat and use a walking foot. I don't know how readily available they are on that side of the pond though.

Thanks, I have fiddled a little with presser foot pressure lately but haven't got round to testing it on a terp yet. I'm also going to try a teflon foot, but to be honest I had no issues making the tarp after I abandoned the hybrid seam. There are walking feet available, but the only ones that are reasonably priced are the generic "universal" ones that I don't really want to waste my money on.