Cut Size

Cut Size refers to the size of a tarp before sewing of seams and hems.  As an example, for a 6’ x 8’ Cut Size tarp, the material will start at 6’ x 8’.  After sewing, it will finish approximately 5’6” x 7’6”.  Generally, you will lose 6-9” per dimension depending on the size of the piece and the number of seams needed to fabricate the piece.  3” of fabric is needed to make a hem, plus additional material is needed to sew the panels together.

Finish Size

Conversely, Finish Size refers to the size of a tarpaulin after sewing (hem) has been completed.  This means that if the Finish Size is specified when ordering, the extra fabric that is necessary to create hems and seams has already been accounted for and the actual end product will be 6’ x 8’. As such, a 6’ x 8’ Finish Size tarp will finish at 6’ x 8’ after sewing is completed.  In other words, the material will start larger, approximately 6’6” x 8’8” and then after the hems and seams are made, the piece will be 6’ x 8’ when completed.