A good plan for a 10 x 12 tarp is found in Ray Jardin's book, Beyond Backpacking.

Most bolts or rolls of cloth are 5' wide. So, take a piece 6 yds long cut it in half to get two pieces, 5' wide 9' long. Lay them side by side along the length to create a rectangle that is now 10' wide and 9' long. Sew the long edges together and you have your 9 x 10' shelter. A 12' length requires 24' of cloth...etc.

For the center seam you need to learn how to sew a "felled seam". It is basically a doubled over seam that can withstand strong tugs necessary to keep your tarp together.
Visit owareusa.com to see a variety of sizes of tarps.

BTW Look into hiking an Inca trail from La Paz to Coroico


Edited by rambler (03/10/11 10:59 AM)