Canvas work

jibes138 · Jul 29, 2009

Using old one as a pattern

I made a dodger a few years ago and used the old one as a pattern. Ripping seams is easy when the thread is all rotted, you can just pull on the seam and it rips apart. I had no problem whatsoever with the fit after I finished it and it looks as good as the original. One advantage of your own equipment and materials is that you can change it or fix it easily. For example....during an absence I left my boom topping lift too low and the sail cover was rubbing on the top of the dodger where there is a frame. Wore a hole through the fabric. Solution, I sewed in a leather chafe cover on that area and elevated the boom a little. Came out great and looks like it was part of the original design.
Good luck and sounds like a lot of experienced sewers on this site for advice.

TJ-LJ Champion · Jul 30, 2009

Rethink your method of construction

Hi Scott,

The reason I suggested making the dodger from scratch is from experience. When I did this the old dodger had shrunk drastically and never fit properly when I copied the new pattern from it, by the time my fit came due everything was out of sinc. I struggled with everything from breaking needles, thread you name it, very difficult task.

I'm not discouraging you here just trying to help save you countless hours of frustration! The guy I got my Pacific Blue on Ebay is Brookerman.200 He sells seconds that might have marks or off dye lot colors etc. BUT his prices were very reasonable! (Be patient the shipping is slow from him) I used the heavier weight for the dodger and then had to re-make the connector piece going from Bimini to Dodger due to the new fit and not matching up. Get extra fabric, that way if you should make a mistake you have lots to work with and the dye lots/material will match. I had about 12 yards (I think) and still didn't have enough to cover the side glass with protective panels. I recommend getting 15 or more yards. Personally? I should have purchased 20 yards and I would have re-done much of the Dodger.

The commercial machine is either Consew or Juki (Industry leaders) and if you purchase them used have them serviced and adjusted PRIOR to beginning your project. I didn't and had loads of problems! Make sure you set the servo motors clutch to go slow as sewing your fingers is not possible.

Also....Get Two big cones of UVR V-69 or V-92 thread Maybe one 16 oz cone and another 4 oz that way you can always be winding a bobbin at the same time you sew your project (never running out of a fresh bobbin) Use the 4 oz for the bobbin. The thread needs to be twisted and bonded for use with a commercial machine. And....get plenty of different sized needles, say sizes 20, 21, 22

If you aren't locked into color choices and will remake all canvas now is the time to change before sewing the dodger as that task is the most difficult to re-make down the road. Making your sail covers can be done using the furniture grade and then re-water proofing them every year. These will be softer fabric for against the sailcloth and easier to store.

I have re-made almost all the canvas on our boat, the two left to replace are the Bimini and edges of the Jib otherwise from the interior to exterior I've done it all. Most importantly, Have Fun and take tremendous pride in your accomplishment. Best of luck!

Laurie

Bad Obsession · Jul 30, 2009

Laurie,
FOr needle sizes, you would do okay with 18 and 20. Sometimes 20 punches too big of a hole but it is okay when using V-92. If you sew with V-69 then use the 18. The 20 on a V-69 dabond thread then you may get the pucker in the stitch holes. I have been using size 20 and it is okay though.

Buy very good needles and a lot of needles. The reason I say that is that I have been told that anytime you get some minor issues with the machine change the needle because it has gotten dull. Dull needles cause issues.

Buying the material off of Ebay is a great way to save some money. I have been really happy with getting material from there.

You don't have to have a very expensive machine to sew these fixtures. I have a re-conditioned machine that I spent about $150 on and it is a beast. Here is a web site for nice machines that won't break the bank. The guy is a sailor and he will make sure that it is right.

http://sewingmachinesteve.com/default.aspx

Good luck and don't be afraid to take your time doing your project. Also, guides for the material are very helpful (the ones that screw into the base of your machine) as it helps you keep a straight stick. Binding is a nice way to finish the edges as well.

Bad Obsession · Jul 30, 2009

Kevlar will be DESTROYED in the sun. Use Dabond thread because it is the only UV resistant threat material.

Ron20324 · Jul 30, 2009

Hermit Scott said:
It seemed easy enough to melt the edge but does a hot knife actually 'cut' the fabric and sear the edge at the same time? Or do you cut it with scissors and then go back and burn the edge with the hot knife?

The hot knife (and a soldering iron) will cut and sear the edge at the same time. Thick webbing, like rope, needs a slower cut so all the threads melt together. Like you did, you can always go back and melt in any loose threads.

night2owl2 · Jul 31, 2009

ebay sumbrella

I just bought 5 yd of sumbrella for $9 a yd, they will ship you any length.

caguy · Jul 31, 2009

Did that include shipping night2owl2? What about color. Do you have a link you can post?