DIY canvas

November Charlie

November Charlie

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Reading the Strataglass thread reminded me of something I've thought of trying a few times. So as not to threadjack that one:

I've thought a few times, over the course of several project boats, and one or two 'keepers', of stitching my own canvas. The new Bristol I'm taking delivery of next week will need a summer cover (I'll be shrinkwrapping it in the very late fall/early winter). Thinking of taking a shot at making it myself. Don't have much experience beyond rigging my own uniforms, and stitching up several ski bags and such when I was younger. My high school was one of the more 'progressive' ones - everyone took shop, and everyone took home ec. Upside was all the guys that got stuck in home ec (well, most of us) took advantage of it and used it to learn to build ski bags and fix car upholstery and such, but that was a while ago.

Only machine I have is a home machine, but I know for sure it can stitch through canvas and nylon webbing. No clear panels would be involved.

Would be interested to hear any thoughts, advice, ideas, and such.
 
I'd go for it. Might check with the folks at Sailrite for ideas, advice, etc. Have a blast!
 
Jump right in and have at it. If you have an existing set of canvas to copy you should not have a problem. I made a complete set of canvas for use during winter storage that fit the first time by copying my camper cover. I used an antique Singer machine with no problems.

The biggest challenge was finding a tool to install the snaps. Tried a couple of the hammer and anvil tools with misearable results. Finally got the professional-quality tool that looks like a big C-clamp. Now snaps go in perfectly every time.

The other challenge was finding the right kind of thread. Finally bought enough for the rest of my life form a local canvas shop.

Mike
 
The place to to get supplies for DIY canvas etc is Sailrite.com.
Perhaps Les could negotiate a discount with them.
 
And if you need some white webbing or dark blue edge binding I have more than I will ever use.

Mike
 
Go for it. I bought a Singer 201 off eBay for around $150. A very simple machine that just does a strait stitch. First I made a cover for my whaler didn’t really care too much about looks just wanted to keep the leaves and trash out of it. Then I made a bridge cover and the bimini top on my boat. The more you do the better you get.
 
What seahawk said. Having just completed the canvas for my 45 year old runabout - the second year of the project! I can tell you that its a satisfying but VERY time consuming process. The bimini and back pieces took the better part of two, two week vacations - involved lots of very expensive materials, and the purchase of one of those C-Clamp snap tools (around $130. I think) other tools to fit snaps, a hot knife to cut the material with, as well as lots of other miscellaneous "stuff." This is my third major project, and although I've been happy with the results, and for this project there was really no other option, the investment of time and materials makes me wonder if it was all that cost effective. Of course, In am already planning a "half cover" for our power boat at home! (Lots of material left over!)

My best advice is if you have the time - Go for it - but plan on it taking 3-4 times what you think it should take, and plan on ripping out a lot of seams, and not only learning but paying for your mistakes.

But if you don't have ample time - Don't start the process - you will end up with a lot of sunbrella material cut into strange shapes & thread you can't use anywhere else!
 
Save yourself some frustration and get the best machine you can. Second the Sailrite's! We have a Singer 401A and it's not quite up to the job even with the walking foot attachment. Lori did a full set of zip in windows for our old boat and it took quite some time. We now have a real appreciation for people who do this work for a living. It's not easy.

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Sailrite machine is great, but it is a knock off and there are other knock off's available. They are all basically Junka machines. The sailrite is the best of the bunch.

As I said in the other thread, it is not that hard, and well worth it.
 
quote:
Originally posted by seahawk215

Go for it. I bought a Singer 201 off eBay for around $150. A very simple machine that just does a strait stitch. .....
Click to expand...


I bought one of those also. After I cleaned it up I liked it so much I bought an antique cabinet to mount it in and matching bench.

In my case, I believe the previous owner had been sitting at the machine and smoking for the past 60 years. It was quite a job to clean it up.

I bought it after paying $90.00 per hour at the local shops just to restitch existing canvas. No paterning, no zippers, just follow the existing stitching with new thread.

Sailrite is the place for supplies and probably a machine if you really want to get serious. The Singer 201 will do the job, though.
 
As per a thread I did several months ago, the home machine is a nightmare for canvas work. The back side of your material will show poor stitching. You need a Thompson Walking Foot machine===c. $600.00. For low volume work it cannot be beat, and it's portable. It will sew multi-layers with no problem.
 
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