I bought an old metal sewing machine. D Casey, the guru, recommends this in
most of his sailboat maintenance books.

Casey has a few ideas about projects to start with; cockpit cover, etc.
But no exact plans.

Are there any books that have plans, designs, good project instructions for
sailboat canvass projects?

"NE Sailboat" wrote in message
news:0kbth.3909$o31.2780@trndny04...
I bought an old metal sewing machine. D Casey, the guru, recommends this
in most of his sailboat maintenance books.

Casey has a few ideas about projects to start with; cockpit cover, etc.
But no exact plans.

Are there any books that have plans, designs, good project instructions
for sailboat canvass projects?




Plans to fit your boat are unlikely. Wanna know how the pros do it? They
(many of them, can't speak for all) bring a roll of Sunbrella to your boat.
After installing snaps and fittings on your boat, they unroll the Sunbrella
over the area to be covered, drawing on it where necessary with chalk. They
poke holes where snaps and fittings will go, and cut slits where they need
them. With all the pieces cut out and labeled, they take it all back to the
shop and sew it up. When they come back, it actually fits.

I wouldn't recommend that we unwashed masses attempt to mimic them with
Sunbrella, but if you follow the same procedure with cheap lightweight
muslin, you can make your own patterns, then transfer to Sunbrella. Follow
Don Casey's information on seam allowances and what-not. Bob's your uncle!

For bags and stuff, I'll draw paper patterns to size, or just sketch out
what I want and then wing it.

Karin

"KLC Lewis" wrote
They poke holes where snaps and fittings will go

Quick-fits are handy for that:
http://www.rochfordsupply.com/produc...SubCatID_E_451

A few years ago I bought an old industrial sewing machine, a German
"Adler". They go forever, it still produces a nice stich today. My
experience was nil when I started, but over the years I made several spray
hoods, a canopy, various covers etc.
One of the best tips I got from the canvas shop where I bought my first
material. It has helped me a lot, especially in my first attempts:
Buy yourself a cheap hot glue gun if you don't have one already and glue the
Sunbrella first, before sewing it. Only use a little glue, just to keep the
material from shifting when you're sewing. Apply the glue close to where the
stich will be, on the side where it does not show, of course. Success
guaranteed!
plano



"NE Sailboat" wrote in message
news:0kbth.3909$o31.2780@trndny04...
I bought an old metal sewing machine. D Casey, the guru, recommends this
in
most of his sailboat maintenance books.

Casey has a few ideas about projects to start with; cockpit cover, etc.
But no exact plans.

Are there any books that have plans, designs, good project instructions
for
sailboat canvass projects?

I came across a great book called "On Rope" about various rope handling
techniques for mountaineering or spelunking. I recommend this book for
anyone who is a sailor as well, as it has some very excellent technical
descriptions about rope handling, but also a very detailed description
of what stitching techniques works the best and why. I think you might
find it useful when making your projects.

I've read the "Sailmaker's Apprentice" and thought it was good
information, but obviously more geared towards sails. I also read "The
Complete Canvas Guide" by D. Grant and thought it had some good
information but I thought it lacked enough detail for someone who might
be new to the task.

I have several industrial sewing machines, now, including a "SailRite"
walking foot that includes a hand crank. I think you'll find that a
walking foot is almost a necessity when building complex pieces, as both
top and bottom feet move simultaneously, keeping the fabric layers in
place. This avoid having to "tack" or pin the material as much, if at all.

I would also recommend that you start small, get used to how your
machine behaves, and make simple projects first. Save the cockpit cover
for when you've made all of the beginner mistakes already. Also, when
you do attempt it, I suggest you make the first revision out of cheap
denim or muslin. You will definitely make mistakes on the first couple
of projects, so leaving the harder stuff for last is probably best.

Also, pay attention to what type of thread you use. As an upholsterer
what they use. You want something that will not deteriorate in
sunlight. Experiment with your machine to make sure it can feed
properly through it though. My experience has been that only the most
industrial of machines and handle the heavier threads without jamming.

Happy sewing!

Robb


NE Sailboat wrote:
I bought an old metal sewing machine. D Casey, the guru, recommends this in
most of his sailboat maintenance books.

Casey has a few ideas about projects to start with; cockpit cover, etc.
But no exact plans.

Are there any books that have plans, designs, good project instructions for
sailboat canvass projects?

On Jan 22, 5:58 pm, "NE Sailboat" wrote:
I bought an old metal sewing machine. D Casey, the guru, recommends this in
most of his sailboat maintenance books.

Casey has a few ideas about projects to start with; cockpit cover, etc.
But no exact plans.

Are there any books that have plans, designs, good project instructions for
sailboat canvass projects?

If you are interested in learning more about canvas fabrication, try
http://www.canvastrainingworkshops.com. Russ and Roger are great guys
and they can teach you tons of stuff. They're located in Port Clinton
OH. They also have DVDs that you can purchase if you are not inclined
to attend their classes. I just came back from a class on enclosures.
Great stuff!

Good Luck.