The Guide Gear 12x12 tarp was on sale for about $20.00 a few weeks back. That price was just too good to pass up.
The weak points of the Granite Gear tarp (12x12) are that
A it lacks loops in the middle of the sides so it can be hung in a rectangular set up,
B lacks sufficient anchors for the panel pull loops located on the three seams across the panel, and panel pulls are stitched only to the panel seam
Photos show inside and outside of pannel pull










and
C the side pull/tie down loops around the exterior seam are only single stitched.

We got the tarp a couple weeks ago and here is what we did this weekend: (and by "we" I mean my wife)
Guterman 100% Polyester Sew-All thread
One third of a yard of black rip-stop nylon

A We put 1.5” loops in the center of two sides to allow a rectangular set up. We sewed the 1’” wide rainbow strapping onto each side of the tarp material and then reinforced that area with rip-stop nylon triangles that were cut from 12” squares. The hypotenuse along the outer seam of the tarp is about 17”. Then we box stitched the strapping to again reinforce the connection.

so...you altered it?

Edit: Sorry, when I first posted this the only post I saw was the very first one. It all makes sense now.

B We put 6” square rip-stop nylon anchor patches on the inside under the panel pulls on each short seam. We then box stitched the factory installed loop using a box that is 1/4” wider than the existing seam.
We put 3” square anchor patches under the 3 loops on the center seam and made the same box stitch of the factory loops. We also reinforced the center seam stitch of the loop through the factory seam.
Photos show 3" and 6" Panel Pull and anchors and detail of box stitch reinforcements

C We went around the exterior seam and double stitched each factory installed loop so that the added stitching went through the factory sewn seam to reinforce each exteriors pull loop. The blue thread is what we added as extra reinforcement at each tie down loop.

It may not be a CCS, but for around $30.00 we now have a very versatile, strong tarp. The Guide gear tarp is 100% Polyester coated with with ployurthane and the seams are factory taped. I am seam sealing the finished prodcut tonight and will post photos of the tarp rigged for my hammock in the next day or two.

Looks well done! You two (wife) make a good team. Thanks for the pics!

Thanks...Now I can completely enclose my hammock if I want...
Photos show open end and closed end of tarp when hung in rectangular config.

and more...


the new end loop

I really wanted one but waited to long and now there gone. Ive looked everywhere online but i cant find them anywhere. Does anybody know where I can get one???

Excellent modifications.

quote Rich11: "I really wanted one but waited to long and now there gone. Ive looked everywhere online but i cant find them anywhere. Does anybody know where I can get one???"

I ordered mine before they were available. If there's an "availability" date on the website, you'll know about when you'll receive it. They sent mine a week or so early.

Very nice job. I've used mine quite a bit, and though I have never had any durability issues, I guess it doesn't hurt.

How much would your business partner(wife) charge me for those modifications?

$200/hr, 2 hr minimum...I got the friends and family discount :)

quote jcavenagh: "$200/hr, 2 hr minimum...I got the friends and family discount :)"

I guess I need to learn how to sew!