Re: Canvas, Has anyone here tried to make their own?
I don't understand the big enough machine thing. I used my mothers mid 90s kenmore sewing machine with jeans needels. It worked fine with Subrella fabric.
The Sunbrella fabric is easy enough to sew, w/ one or two layers.
The issues that arise w/ marine canvas is when all the other stuff gets added into the mix.
On my boat canvas, every zipper is covered w/ binding (that adds four fabric layers), every edge is covered w/ binding (four more layers), the Keder welt securing my canvas to the arch has a thick tab, the Strataglass is thick, the rubber weatherstripping is thick, so yes, a heavy duty commercial machine is required to "punch through" all this stuff w/o effort.
Here is a "simple" step, adding binding (sewing through five layers of fabric).
It is "easy" enough to do a good job, w/ the right equipment, putting enough thought and time into the job, but it is not for everyone. I've seen some poor work that I wouldn't want on my boat.
The equipment can get expensive. A nice machine can cost over $1K. Other useful tools are: a hot knife, binder, different types of walking feet and other incidentals, it adds up quickly. The Gore Tenara thread I like to use is about $200 per spool.
As others mention, the other issue is size. When I work on canvas the only place I have that's large enough is the floor, after moving furniture around. The canvas must be flat or it won't be correct.
