Help cutting carpet to fit compound curves

[Moody Blue]

In the process of installing carpet in my 16ft fiberglass Wilker. The floor is a bullet shape and flat, and the gunnels roll up about 8" to ledges that runs full length of the passenger compartment. Above these ledges are an additional 16" of gunnel. This part is carpeted with a separate piece of carpet.

Have had good success cutting and fitting the back 3/4 of the carpet but have now encountered a problem.

As the floor narrows towards the bow, the gunnels of curve in and down towards the keel as well as taper out towards the top cap if you follow what I mean. Can't figure out how to cut the carpet to fit this junction. Want to avoid seams if at all possible but can't can't see how. Don't think I can end up with a good clean seam, especially on such a crazy compound curve.

Any carpet installers out there with some words of wisdom?

 

[proshadetree]

Re: Help cutting carpet to fit compound curves

Pics would help but some bends and curves can only be made with a seam.I seam by laping 2 pcs of carpet and cutting both and same time to have a good line.

 

[redfury]

Re: Help cutting carpet to fit compound curves

At the very least you'll have to notch the carpeting to take out the folds. You'll have to seam those cuts, but you can keep the carpet continuous for a good deal of it if you take your time and think it out. Get the piece in there and work with it, folding it to get the contour, or use a piece of cardboard/heavy paper to get a template.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Help cutting carpet to fit compound curves

Well I've gotten it done and I'm very happy with the results.

Did as suggested and layed the carpet in place. Carefully worked the carpet into position until I was left with a single large crease about 9" long. Folded that over and marked the back with a marker. Cut along the crease then layed the carpet back into place and the two flaps overlapped each other until everything layed flat. Traced the edge of the top flap onto the bottom flap then cut off the extra piece from the bottom flap. The resulting seam is virtually undetectable, even to me . and I'm hard to please.

Took me quite awhile to get it done but I'm happy with the results.

 

[Tail_Gunner]

Re: Help cutting carpet to fit compound curves

Cut a pattern out of some type of material and when you have all the cuts right trace it to the carpert..lay and glue