What is Ripstop?

I have seen and heard it called ripstock and also ribstock, but the correct name is ripstop.

Ripstop is a woven fabric that has another type of single or double thread woven into it.

This is done in various patterns from simple box to diamonds and other shapes.When a run of nylon, cotton or polypropylene fabric is run off a loom without this thread pattern it will rip.

But when the extra thread is added to the weave it stops the tear or rip from travelling across or down the fabric, hence Ripstop.

In this picture you can see a 75 percent Cotton 25 percent Nylon Ripstop, the Nylon thread is the one making up the pattern. This is used for clothing, it's a light weight fabric for summer wear.	This ripstop is a waterproof sailcloth that is crisp to touch and lightweight. It can be used to make kites as well as sails.

Ripstop Textures
It also comes in a massive range of textures ranging from stiff crisp paper like texture to a soft smooth silk like texture. Then there are the heavy duty fabrics with a PVA backing to lightweight waterproof and non waterproof types.

The range of colours seems to be endless, from simple white to fluorescent pink, yellow, orange and green to name a few. Black is one of the hardest colours to get hold of for some reason.

Some are so thin you can see your hand through them, other types are so thick you can make a hammock from them.

Ripstop uses
It's used to make a wide range of things, from hot air balloons, sails and kites to clothing, dog beds, horse blankets, sewing machine covers, motor cycle covers and sun blinds for gardens to name a few.

Then there's the military uses, these range from parachutes in very light weight ripstop to rip-proof fireproof clothing made from Nomex, in various types of camouflage which are used by the military around the world.

Ripstop is a very versatile fabric that has a very wide range of uses.

Other uses:

Tents, groundsheets, pole bags, tent bags, PE bags, swimming bags, shopping bags, doggy treat bags, nappy (diaper) bags, table coverings, outdoor clothing, cagoules, swimming shorts, running shorts, poi, windsocks, mobiles, flags, banners, car covers, garden furniture covers, awnings, umbrellas, garden sails, yacht sails, windsurfing, kite surfing, garden sun shades, cutting down sun intensity in a greenhouse, protecting plants, garden sacks, trailer covers, picnic rug backing, car boot (trunk) liners, special needs bibs - and lastly (unless someone thinks of another use), a long length can be soaped and used outside as a slide!