Camping tarps are the workhorse of every backpacker's gear bag---providing shelter, a groundsheet, or a makeshift rainfly. While mass‑produced tarps are convenient, there's a satisfying freedom in weaving your own lightweight, weather‑resistant sheet exactly to the size, color, and performance you need. Below is a step‑by‑step guide for building a durable tarp on a floor loom, from material selection to final waterproofing.
Choose the Right Fabric
| Property | Recommended Choice | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Denier / Weight | 30‑70 D ripstop nylon or 300‑500 gsm polyester | Light enough to pack small, yet strong enough to resist tearing |
| Weave | Ripstop (cross‑hatch reinforcement) | Prevents small punctures from turning into tears |
| Coating | Silicone or PU (polyurethane) spray | Adds waterproofness without dramatically increasing weight |
| Color | Dark colors absorb heat; light colors reflect it | Pick based on typical climate and camouflage needs |
Most DIY tarps end up around 50‑80 g/m². If you need a ultra‑light setup (< 150 g for a 2 × 3 m tarp) aim for the lower end of the weight range.
Gather Your Loom & Tools
- Floor loom -- a 6‑ft wide floor loom is ideal; wider looms make handling long fabrics easier.
- Warping board or peg bars -- for arranging the warp threads.
- Beaters & reeds -- standard floor‑loom accessories, but a fine‑tooth reed (≈ 12 tpi) creates a tighter, smoother surface.
- Scissors / rotary cutter -- for clean edges.
- Measuring tape / ruler -- precision matters for a square tarp.
- Sewing machine or hand‑stitching needles -- for hem and reinforcement stitching.
- Waterproofing spray -- silicone or polyurethane (apply in a well‑ventilated area).
Calculate Your Tarp Dimensions
Most campers use a 2 × 3 m or 2.5 × 3.5 m tarp. Add a 2‑inch (≈ 5 cm) margin on all sides for hems and reinforced corners.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=tarp&tag=organizationtip101-20 size (finished) = Desired https://www.amazon.com/s?k=shelter&tag=organizationtip101-20 size
Warp length = Desired width + 2 × hem https://www.amazon.com/s?k=allowance&tag=organizationtip101-20
Weft length = Desired length + 2 × hem https://www.amazon.com/s?k=allowance&tag=organizationtip101-20
Example: For a 2 × 3 m tarp with 5 cm hems → warp = 2.10 m, weft = 3.10 m.
Prepare the Warp
- Mark the warp count -- for a lightweight slip‑resistant surface, aim for 12‑15 ends per inch (≈ 0.5 mm spacing).
- Cut warp yarn -- cut each strand a little longer than the final warped length (add 10 % for take‑up).
- Tie on the loom -- use a warp thread (a stronger, thicker fiber) at the start and end to secure the batch.
- Even out tension -- run a damper bar or a hand‑held tensioner across the warp to keep it uniform.
A tight, even warp is the secret to a smooth, water‑shedding surface.
Weave the Fabric
5.1 Choose a Simple Yet Sturdy Pattern
- Plain weave -- fastest and strongest; every weft passes over one warp then under the next.
- Basket weave (2×2) -- adds a bit of stretch and gives a subtle texture that helps shed water.
Plain weave works perfectly for a tarp; it also keeps the weight low.
5.2 Weaving Process
- Insert the first weft using the shuttle; beat it down with the beater.
- Alternating actions -- lift every other warp thread (using the harnesses) for each successive weft.
- Maintain tension -- after each weft, give the cloth a gentle pull toward the front of the loom.
- Check width regularly -- use a ruler to ensure the fabric remains within the planned dimensions.
Continue until the weft reaches the full length (including the extra heel for the hem).
Finishing the Edges
- Trim excess -- cut any uneven threads at the top and bottom.
- Fold a double hem -- fold the edge 2 cm inward, press, then fold another 2 cm and press again.
- Stitch the hem -- use a reinforced straight stitch (double‑thread) for durability.
- Corner reinforcement -- create a gusset by sewing a small triangular patch (≈ 5 × 5 cm) of the same fabric at each corner. Reinforce with a box stitch for added load‑bearing capacity.
These hems become the attachment points for cordage, D‑rings, or carabiners.
Apply Weather‑Resistant Treatment
- Clean the tarp -- wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust and loose fibers.
- Lay flat in a well‑ventilated area -- spray evenly from 12--18 in (30--45 cm) distance.
- Follow manufacturer's cure time -- silicone usually cures in 24 h, polyurethane may need 48 h.
- Test water repellency -- sprinkle water; it should bead and roll off. If it spreads, apply a second light coat.
Tip: Add a UV‑protectant additive (often included in spray kits) if you expect prolonged sun exposure.
Optional Features
- Guy‑line loops -- cut ½‑inch slits every 30 cm along the hem and stitch reinforced fabric tabs.
- Pocket for a small stuff sack -- weave a pocket on one long edge to store a repair kit.
- Color‑coded corners -- use a different colored thread for each corner marker; helps set up the tarp in low‑light conditions.
Packing & Care
- Roll loosely -- avoid tight rolling that can create permanent creases.
- Store in a breathable stuff sack -- prevents condensation buildup.
- Reapply waterproofing every 6--12 months or after heavy use.
Quick Troubleshooting
| Issue | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tarp tears at a corner | Inadequate gusset reinforcement or uneven tension when weaving | Reinforce corner with extra fabric, double‑stitch gussets |
| Water streaks rather than beads | Insufficient coating or residue from oil/grease | Clean surface, apply a second waterproofing coat |
| Fabric feels stiff | Over‑application of coating | Lightly sand surface with fine grit (≈ 400) then re‑coat lightly |
| Loose weave (sagging) | Warp tension fell during weaving | Retension warp with damper bar, re‑beat wefts tighter |
Final Thoughts
Weaving your own camping tarp on a floor loom puts you in control of every factor that determines its performance---weight, size, durability, and water resistance. With a modest investment in a floor loom and a few high‑quality materials, you can produce a tarp that's lighter than many commercial options, customized to the exact dimensions you need, and robust enough to withstand the harshest weather.
Give it a try on your next gear‑building weekend. Not only will you have a reliable shelter for the trail, you'll also carry a piece of craftsmanship that's as satisfying as setting up camp under a star‑filled sky. Happy weaving!