I recently bought a single wall tent (Outdoor Research Night Haven). It's not the best, but it was cheap. I notice that for two people to really fit it needs a tie-out about in the middle of each side wall. For some reason I'm just struggling to find a good reference or how-to on Google. I found a few things, but the information was sparse.

It looks like a grossgrain loop will work. Sew both ends parallel and next to each other running up and down. Is that correct? I also saw a reference that indicated I need to sew something on the back side, more nylon or another piece of grossgrain or something. Any advice? Also, what stitch should I use, a bartack or a box stitch? I'm new to this, so a little more detail would be appreciated. Thanks.

I suspect that a simple grossgrain loop sewn onto the hem and stitched with 2 or 3 lines parallel to the hem outside the hem stitching will be as strong as you need. Extra reinforcement is not likely to add strength and, in fact, could weaken it.

Thanks for the input. I should clarify, I want this half-way up the side wall of the tent, not at the hem. I know about the rock or ball wrapped up in the material but I'm looking for something more permanent. Would that change your response?

Edited by cooleric1234 on 09/07/2008 20:39:00 MDT.

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I can't remember what they are called or where you find them, but there is a product that works just like the pebble method. It's two pieces of plastic that lock together with the fabric between them, providing a stable tie out point anywhere you want. I have four of them on my tarp to lift up the roof and they work really well.

Someone who knows what I'm talking about can point you at where to buy them. But it sounds like what you're looking for.

gripclips

Eric,
Sorry, I misunderstood. I add side pullouts by first stitching a grossgrain loop to a 6 or 7 inch diameter disk of fabric that is compatible with the tarp - silnylon to sylnylon and polyurethane to PU. I seal the seam from the back and slap it on the target area. With silnylon, I like to use a little of the silicone sealant that I use for seam sealer to hold the disk in place instead of pins -- just little smears. It will cure enough to be handled in 30 minutes. Then I sew the disk to the target area by stitching around the edge only. I tend to use one line of zigzag stitches, but straight stitches will work just fine. Then I seal the seam and edges of the disk.

The advantages of this method are:
1. The stitching on the grossgrain does not go through the tarp. Those stitches get a lot of pull in a concentrated area and holes can open up - even with 2 layers of fabric.
2. The circular patch or disk distributes the pull uniformly. There are no corners to concentrate stress.

Edited by vickrhines on 09/08/2008 11:50:25 MDT.

"Grip Clips!" Precisely. Thanks Todd.

They'll be better than sewing in a pullout, imo.

Vick,

That's a great method of adding tie-outs! Also, the clearest explaination I've seen! Thanks!

A friend of my use this axle to add a tie-out.

Edited by mcluxun on 09/21/2008 18:19:16 MDT.

Mcluxun, Is the "sewing machine axle" also known as a thread "bobbin"?