Can anyone tell me which provides more strength for a homemade tarp:

Using a whole piece of silnylon or two pieces with a flat felled seam?

Thanks!

Only problem with using a whole piece is that generally the fabric isn't wide enough to provide proper shelter. Me and my buddy have been making our own tarps for a little bit and sold a few on www.BackpackingLight.com (http://www.BackpackingLight.com) and they've withstood winds of 40+ with no problems thus far

If you have a choice, go without a seam. However, as FairWeather notes, it is generally necessary to have a seam to get the width needed. A flat-felled seam is plenty strong enough to hold a tarp together.

Make me one and I will test it for you and tell you.

Just kidding. Flat seam. www.thru-hiker.com (http://www.thru-hiker.com) is a great place to figure this stuff out.

Quick question: when making an 8' x 10' tarp (or slightly larger), would you put the seam going in the "long" (10' long) direction or in the "short" (8')direction? My inclination is to put it going down the middle of the 10' side. Any ideas? pros and cons of each?

Drew:

There is an article at Thru-hiker.com that explains how to orient seams and some other points to consider when making your own tarp. You can also buy the fabric and thread there.

Thanks Bob

the seam can be your ridgline. Seam seal with GE silicone sealent from Home depot, or lowes.

Can anyone tell me which provides more strength for a homemade tarp:

Using a whole piece of silnylon or two pieces with a flat felled seam?

Thanks!Black Cat tarp (http://www.jhatkhat.com/Khat/camping/bcdir/frame.html)......'nuff said. :D