Wanderlust World Wanderlust World Cut enough sheer Chiffon fabric to cover the area of the tarp. Chiffon fabric is not a tightly woven fabric and comes in several different colors. The tightness of the weave will determine how much air passes through the tarp. Smaller openings let less air pass through. Chiffon comes in several weave styles. It is inexpensive and can be purchased at most fabric stores. Lay the material over a large work surface.
Hem the pieces of your tarp together using a quarter-inch seam allowance and medium stitch setting on the sewing machine. Use a strong thread such as upholstery thread. Reinforce the hem by adding a zig-zag stitch beside it. Tarps need to be durable. The stitching must be strong enough to withstand exposure to high winds and rain as well as folding and pulling during setup and use. Hem the outer edge of the tarp as well. Add loop holes in the fabric by adding grommets every 2 feet, using the grommet pliers. These loop holes will allow ropes to be used. Add a third row of stitches around the grommets for added durability.
Spread the tarp over two sawhorses in a well ventilated area. Spray with commercially available vinyl laminate spray, following the directions on the can. Let this layer dry before flipping the tarp to the bottom side and applying a coat. The vinyl coating provides waterproofing and weatherproofing, extending the life of your tarp. Once it has dried thoroughly, add any ropes you desire. When finished, fold and store the tarp in a waterproof container until you are ready to use it.