How to Tie a Tarp

The tarp is a versatile tool that may be tied in a variety of fashions. The tarp is used to protect materials from moisture but it is also effective as a tent and shelter. Tarps have grommets along the edges for the rope and you must find a secure anchor point to hold the tarp on the ground or over the materials being protected. Although the tarp is simple piece of fabric, it provides a valuable service when properly tied.

Things You'll Need

  • Tarp
  • Rope
  • Ground stakes
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Instructions

  1. Securing a Load

    • 1

      Tie an overhand loop knot in the end of a rope. Tie the knot by folding the rope into a loop and making a standard overhand knot with the entire loop. Feed the opposite end of the line through one corner grommet and again through the loop. This will make a semi-permanent attachment to the grommet.

    • 2

      Drape the tarp over the material being protected. This technique works on stationary loads and pickup truck loads. Wrap the free end of the rope around an object on the ground like a peg or natural rock or tree. Use the tie-downs in a pickup truck.

    • 3

      Pull the end of the rope through the following grommet and back to another object on the ground. Continue working around the tarp until all of the grommets are secured to an anchor on the ground or to a tie down on a truck. Tie the rope in an overhand knot on the final anchor point to complete the process.

    Creating a Shelter

    • 4

      Create a loop in four different sections of rope and force one loop through each corner grommet. Feed the ends of each rope through the loop and pull on the ends to cinch the rope tight around the grommets.

    • 5

      Wrap two of the corner ropes around an object close to the ground. Tie an overhand knot in each rope to secure it to the object. Double the overhand knot if it looks like it may slip.

    • 6

      Pull the opposite corner ropes around tall objects to form a slanted shelter. Tie the rope to the object with an overhand knot to complete the simple shelter. Adjust the angle of the tarp to compensate for wind and moisture.