Ripstop fabric, sometimes called a sports fabric, is a woven, lightweight, nylon-threaded material that resists tearing and ripping. Ripstop fabric can be water resistant and is commonly used for camping equipment such as tents and the outer shells of sleeping bags. It is also used to make hang glider and parasail wings, parachutes, hot air balloons, sails, kites, flags, banners and sports clothes. The tough beating ripstop fabric can take makes it ideal for any application that requires material that won't fail under stress.

While many people assume ripstop fabric is made of nylon, this is only partially true. Ripstop fabric is made by weaving nylon threads throughout a base material in interlocking patterns. Many fabrics can be used to make ripstop fabric, including cotton, silk, polyester, or polypropylene, with nylon content limited to the crosshatched threads that make the material tear-resistant. Nylon material itself is not ripstop fabric unless it is reinforced with crosshatched threading.

Ripstop fabric is easy to identify because of the obvious interlocking nylon threaded patterns in the material. For example, a plastic tarp made of ripstop material has a slightly raised box pattern throughout, while some ripstop fabric exhibits a diamond pattern. Look closely at any tent bag, car or motorcycle cover, umbrella, diaper bag or shopping bag, and you'll see the telltale pattern of ripstop fabric.

Ripstop fabric is so versatile and tough it is widely used outside the private sector as well. Ripstop fabric made from fireproof Nomex® is used for firefighters, while the military uses ripstop fabric for camouflage clothing, packs, gear bags, canvas equipment covers, and much more.

If you've ever tried to tear ripstop fabric, you know it's impossible to get anywhere. The interlocking thread patterns stop any tear from spreading, yet for all of its durability, ripstop fabric can be thin enough to see through! Breathable ripstop fabric is ideal for clothing, and can be found in running shorts, tank tops and jerseys. Sports uniforms are also often made of ripstop fabric.

Chances are you have several items made of ripstop fabric around the house, garage or garden. If you'd like to make an item of ripstop fabric - perhaps a cover for the barbecue or slip covers for your garden furniture -- just look for it in bulk at your local sewing shop.