Start with a tight, smooth pattern. Draw your lines on the frames where the different pieces of
canvas will be joined together. Often with a large frame I would taper the line up slightly toward the top part of the frame until reaching the centerline then back down again. This was usually done on biminis because the corners are pulled tightly down and the center portion can't get tensioned as much. Darts on the
bimini should be properly marked and sewn to those lines. There should be no darts on a dodger. Where different pieces of canvas join, tick marks should be made on the pattern than transferred to the canvas. When the pieces are cut they should be "walked"together, allowing for the 1/2" seam allowance, to ensure they all fit together before stitching. Facing strips, I never used binding when I could use facing strips,
work best when the "grain" is horizontal as sunbrella tends gather a bit when vertical. You have less gathering or stretch and more strength with facing. When making Sunbrella sail covers we had a rough formula that was around 1" extra
fabric for every 2-3 yards of cover length. Mark all the
parts of the pattern, port, starboard, outside etc. and take a lot of pictures. I still do this with my own
boat and download them onto a
laptop. It's really helpful to go back and view the pattern as a whole if your are unsure of something later on. I always found it helpful to
work out the pattern as soon as possible while things are still fresh in my mind. Clean up the pattern, straighten out lines as needed, add seam allowance and trim to size. Biminis are a lot easier than dodgers. There is a reason prices seem high. Properly built
marine canvas is labor intensive skillful work. Go for it. I started years ago making my own then was fortunate enough to work for someone in a one man shop who was truly at the top end of the field. I always felt if I could become half as good as he was I would be pretty fine.
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