anybody sew their own cushion covers

Bob I'm impressed you do good work anytime you want to made me a cover for my bow cushions just let me know.
 
All,

Thank you for the compliments. I greatly appriciate it.

To be honest, These were my first projects. I have had no formal training. I guess the sewing classes I took in 6th and 7th grade paid off(LOL). I do enjoy doing this and would like to make a business out of this if possible. I need to extend my knowledge base and learn how to make the frames and biminis from scratch.

My current projects are replacing the front 3 windows on my boat that were damage by our marina, creating a cover over my port side seating area to match the starboard, make a cushion for the port side dash area and if I really have time create a clear canvas for the aft. I am available for side work. :D

Dave,
I could make the cover for your bow cushion. I just made mine last year, so the template is made already. I do not think anything changed from 1996 to 2001. When the boats get in, we'll take a look.
 
Starry Night, send me an email at redknight6977rb2@gr5tyahoo.com. I would like to discuss your bench seat that you made.
 
Sunbrella would be a great choice, but remember that not all Sunbrella is the same. Check out the company's website to see all the different fabrics for different applications.

www.sunbrella.com

You will want to go with a furniture grade product as it will be much softer. Still has the same great performance you expect from Sunbrella.
 
quote:
Originally posted by MardiGrasTexan

Starry Night, send me an email at redknight6977rb2rb2@gr5tgr5tyahoo.com. I would like to discuss your bench seat that you made.

Click to expand...


Just sent you a pm.
 
I finally finished my windows Saturday morning, so I could now uncover the boat. My origionals were damaged by the marina. I used Strataglass, Sunbrella, and Tenara thread, velcro and YKK zippers. I built them from scratch. Another project completed.

110551790.jpg


110551788.jpg


110551792.jpg


110551794.jpg
 
Excellent work Starry. I didn't get a PM though. Not sure if I can without being registered.
 
Scott,
it is a 1541S with a servo motor to slow it down to a managable speed.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Starry Night

Alk,

I would not recommend using outdoor Sunbrella canvas for your interior cushions. This is a canvas base material and not what I consider furniture grade material. It is also very stiff and not soft. If you plan on using fabric use Sunbrella furniture fabric or marine grade furniture fabric. You need to remember that you want fabric that will repel mold and mildew. There is alot out there however it is not cheap. Ultraleather is expensive, but I think it is the best when not using fabric. Also I would recommend using new foam as well.

When it comes to sewing machines, you need to remember that most home sewing machines cannot handle size 69, 92, or 138 thread as well as handle a heavier needle when going through multiple pieces of fabric.

I started sewing with my old metal singer from my parents, 1950's. It was ok for some light work, but it could not cut the mustard. I purchased an industrial Juki in 2007. That's were it started.

Click to expand...


Bob-- Is your machine a DNU-1541S???? If so, I purchased the same machine about 3 years ago. THAT IS ONE WORKING DOG!!! Good dog that is. I did replace the motor with a servo motor for better speed control. Some guys are good at using the original motor but.... I also junked the desk lamp that came with it, replaced it with a 2 tube fluorescent that has an adjustable arm.

You did a fine job with your project.

I replaced and extended the canvas (Sunbrella)on my 40' Silverton Aft Cabin. Did eveything including the enclosing the rear deck area. Rebuilt the dinette cushions with new foam and covers and the list just seems to go on and on.

A friend who is a cabinet maker has the same boat as I including the hard top from Atlantic Towers. His wife was soooo upset at how great my canvas work was that she forced him into having me make the same for his boat. We agreed on a swap, he installed all new Corian counters in my kitchen plus two new cabinets for my the canvas work.

I do give you credit for attempting your project. I had zero sewing experience prior to starting mine but the stuff is not brain surgery.

GOOD JOB!

Foggy

EDIT: Yes, you have the same machine. I did not completely read the thread before posting, even have the serrvo motor!
 
Bob, FOggy,

What is this servo motor you added to your machine? I got an industrial singer 281-30. It has this powered roller that pulls the fabric. It's too fast for a beginner so that servo sounded like a good solution.
 
Most AC powered motors rotate at a speed determined by the line frequency. The operating speed is not adjustable.

There are numerous types of servo motors and I am not sure just exactly how the ones we have operate. They probably have a set of rectifiers converting the motor to DC and then apply a bias current to the fields so the speed is variable. Simply put, the servo motors sold for sewing machines allows for the speed to be controlled from almost stopped to a high speed maybe as high as 3600 RPM. They provide a great added value by making sewing easier because the motor speed is operator controlled.

Foggy
 
Foggy,

Thanks for the compliment. Like you, I do enjoy sewing projects for boats. It's not brain surgery, but it does make you use your brain alot. I have to say that sewing machine is built like a tank. If you have any picture of your projects, please post.
 
quote:
Originally posted by foggysail

quote:
Originally posted by Starry Night

Alk,

I would not recommend using outdoor Sunbrella canvas for your interior cushions. This is a canvas base material and not what I consider furniture grade material. It is also very stiff and not soft. If you plan on using fabric use Sunbrella furniture fabric or marine grade furniture fabric. You need to remember that you want fabric that will repel mold and mildew. There is alot out there however it is not cheap. Ultraleather is expensive, but I think it is the best when not using fabric. Also I would recommend using new foam as well.

When it comes to sewing machines, you need to remember that most home sewing machines cannot handle size 69, 92, or 138 thread as well as handle a heavier needle when going through multiple pieces of fabric.

I started sewing with my old metal singer from my parents, 1950's. It was ok for some light work, but it could not cut the mustard. I purchased an industrial Juki in 2007. That's were it started.

Click to expand...


Bob-- Is your machine a DNU-1541S???? If so, I purchased the same machine about 3 years ago. THAT IS ONE WORKING DOG!!! Good dog that is. I did replace the motor with a servo motor for better speed control. Some guys are good at using the original motor but.... I also junked the desk lamp that came with it, replaced it with a 2 tube fluorescent that has an adjustable arm.

You did a fine job with your project.

I replaced and extended the canvas (Sunbrella)on my 40' Silverton Aft Cabin. Did eveything including the enclosing the rear deck area. Rebuilt the dinette cushions with new foam and covers and the list just seems to go on and on.

A friend who is a cabinet maker has the same boat as I including the hard top from Atlantic Towers. His wife was soooo upset at how great my canvas work was that she forced him into having me make the same for his boat. We agreed on a swap, he installed all new Corian counters in my kitchen plus two new cabinets for my the canvas work.

I do give you credit for attempting your project. I had zero sewing experience prior to starting mine but the stuff is not brain surgery.

GOOD JOB!

Foggy

EDIT: Yes, you have the same machine. I did not completely read the thread before posting, even have the serrvo motor!

Click to expand...


Where did you gentlemen purchase your DNU1541 from? Who has a good price & is reputable?
 
I purchased mine through an authorized distributor in NJ where I live. If I had any issue I needed to have someone local who could service it. Plus this would helps for warranty issues. I have called several time and the techs were great at answering my questions. They sell for $1400 - $1600 with table and motor. Just look around you may even find a use one.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Starry Night

Foggy,

Thanks for the compliment. Like you, I do enjoy sewing projects for boats. It's not brain surgery, but it does make you use your brain alot. I have to say that sewing machine is built like a tank. If you have any picture of your projects, please post.

Click to expand...


Bob--

I have a picture I could post IF I KNEW HOW. I will try to find some info on how to post.

Foggy
 
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