Garden Tarp Project - Fraying Ideas Needed

murphyp2 · 15-03-2026 04:41PM #1

I built some garden furniture last year, 3 sofas like this around a fire pit:

I have IKEA cushions on it that are not as waterproof as advertised (even after re-spraying with 3M protector). Anyway… I want to make covers out of standard garden tarp, 1 per sofa, cut to size. But how can I stop the cuts from fraying? The tarp material is a plastic in a kind of weave pattern and I think it will fray over time.

All ideas welcome!

Lumen · 15-03-2026 06:58PM

Is the tarp breathable? If not you may have issues. I had a BBQ cover that wasn't breathable and it made a right mess inside, mould everywhere.

The Continental Op · 15-03-2026 08:38PM

Cut the tarp with a hot knife - a soldering iron with a knife blade would be easiest. I cut it with a blow torch which is probably less accurate than you'd need.

10-10-20 · 16-03-2026 11:16AM

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058435949/garden-tarp-project-fraying-ideas-needed

The normal way is to double-stitch the cuts and then seal them with a heat gun or hot knife and a thermo-set welding tape! Where to get those supplies from a reputable supplier is a good question though.

GarlicBed · 18-03-2026 12:07AM

I've had loads of tarps over the years and they always fall apart (cheap ones I'll admit).

There's a place in Kildare (naas I think) that make covers for trailers etc .

They can make any shape you want with zips or eyelets etc and they are reasonable.

I can't remember their name though!!

ted1 · 18-03-2026 10:41AM

are you looking to cover the stuff for when its not been used , or to recover the actual cushions for use? ff its the latter, you should consider Marine Vinyl.

Garden Tarp Project - Fraying Ideas Needed

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