Need Recommendations for How to Book on Canvas Work

[BessLB]

Hi Ya'll!! I need a recommendation for a HOW TO book on canvas work. I'm wanting to make flybridge surround curtains for our trawler and while I can sew pretty well, this will be totally new for me. I know Sailrite has a dvd on dodgers, but I need something more related to custom sizing flybridge curtains.

Thanks in advance!!

[cwyckham]

Don Casey has one that looks pretty good. I've flipped through it but haven't read it yet.

[SkiprJohn]

I've got The Big Book of Boat Canvas by Karen S. Lipe but have not read it thorouhly. It appears to cover everything you could do with a domestic machine.
kind regards,

[BessLB]

Thanks SkiprJohn -

I saw the Big Book on Amazon. The reviews mostly said it was great for cushions and curtains and other little projects, not so much canvas, biminis and enclosures. Is there anything about bridge enclosures listed in the table of contents?

I won't be using a domestic machine on this gig. This will definately be done on my Sailrite. My Singer is for light fabrics only.

[Talbot]

Originally Posted by BessLB

Hi Ya'll!! I need a recommendation for a HOW TO book on canvas work. I'm wanting to make flybridge surround curtains for our trawler and while I can sew pretty well, this will be totally new for me. I know Sailrite has a dvd on dodgers, but I need something more related to custom sizing flybridge curtains.

Thanks in advance!!

sailrite also has a lot on Biminis and other canvas work, including patterning and instaling windows.

[BessLB]

Yes, I've already ordered the bimini and dodger dvds!

[LauderBoy]

There's Canvas Work & Sail Repair by Don Casey.

It's pretty basic. It walks you through simple projects with simple types of sewing that get more complicated as you go along. For example, you start with making lee cloths, fender skirts, tarps for the boat, then move onto bags, tool rolls, hatch covers, winch covers, cushions and then get into bimini's, dodgers and sail repair.

Each new project uses prior project skills and introduces a new sewing skill. It's pretty basic and often light on details, but it does have you building things your boat needs. Tarps, skirts, bags, covers, and so on.

I own the book but haven't started in on it yet because I don't own a sewing machine. Plus I need to learn how to use a sewing machine in the first place. When I was in school guys took auto/wood shop while the girls took home economics

My mother has promised me a course on that when I visit her next month though, so it's all good.

[BessLB]

Lauderboy - Sewing is not difficult at all - even my husband has made a cushion now. You just have to be patient and a good puzzle solver. All local sewing stores will have beginner sewing lessons.Sailrite even sends a how to dvd with their machines. It's also alot like carpentry as in you always measure twice and cut once. Don't be fooled by all the home machines with all the buttons and gizmos and computer crap. Sewing machines need forward and backward. Good tools always make better projects. And I can't say enough good things about my Sailrite.

For now, I have the two DVDs coming and the Complete Canvas Workers guide.

Thanks everyone!! More canvas projects to follow.