Upholstery advice

[canvasgirl]

Re: Upholstery advice

Funny, I've been sewing for years and can't make clothes. I started as a sailmaker then started the canvas biz in 87'. I needed pratice when I first started too. Def do some practice ones to get the feel of it. We have a few different machines but the consew is the one to use for canvas and cushions. Post some pics of your seats and I'll try to help. I'll post some pics later of some cushions in progress.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

Fwiw I have Consew 206 and 226's in my shop. Both extremely reliable machines. I'm amazed & frightened by what machines sell for these days. Time was you could buy a factory reconditioned 206 for about $500 bucks?! Guess we can kiss those days goodby?

I can find the 206rb-3 in good condition for about $400 but that's just for the head. Throw in table, motor, light and thread stand and you're around $600-$750 depending on if the table/motor is new or not. I just opted to buy one that was complete. Even with the cost of the machine and supplies it'll still cost less than getting it done professionally. Additionally I really like the feeling of doing it myself. Especially if I can pick up/learn a new skill in the process. I can already see where this will come in handy in other areas. Wife is already talking about making some drapes and seat covers for the dining room set. Just hope she doesn't recruit me to be a test dummy for clothes she wants to try and make. My legs are too hairy to be seen in a dress.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Upholstery advice

This is my Consew 226R-2 That I picked up on Ebay including table for $300 a few years ago. I did change the motor out to a DC motor so The motor only runs when you step on the pedal. Way easier to control.

Reverse is a MUST!

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

here are some pics of the captain's seat. The back is made out of what appears to be white lexan and attached to the fram with the plastic clips commonly found on car door panels. Doesn't appear to be too dificult. I'll start making some patterns out of cardboard this eve. Note that the cushions on the seat back is two pieces. Any suggestions on how to best proceed is welcome. These have been sitting in my shed since last summer. Appears that the humidity here in So. FL has excelerated the mildew.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

more.

 

[canvasgirl]

Re: Upholstery advice

Looks like you've got the idea. Take it apart and you can use that for a pattern. If you want to keep it very simple you can pattern the top piece of the cushion as one piece- instead of different sections. It will be plain but easy to make.

 

[V153]

Re: Upholstery advice

This is my Consew 226R-2 That I picked up on Ebay including table for $300 a few years ago. I did change the motor out to a DC motor so The motor only runs when you step on the pedal. Way easier to control.

Reverse is a MUST!

Too funny Bruce that looks exactly like my machine & base, right down to the worn off paint & bobbin winder. Ya I run dc motors too. See your knee lift, personally I prefer a right pedal?

Hear ya Joker. Nowadays yer talkin' $800+ for a machine & table. Not to mention accoutrements, feet, binder, thread stand etc.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

I have a question. When making the patterns from the existing cover do I trace the portion that will be seen then add my seam allowance or trace it using the seam allowance that's already there? The seam allowance that's already there isn't consistant and it's jagged. I'm thinking I should trace the visible portion and add my seam allowance so I have a consistant 1" seam allowance all the way around making it easier to more accurate. Suggestions?

 

[canvasgirl]

Re: Upholstery advice

I have a question. When making the patterns from the existing cover do I trace the portion that will be seen then add my seam allowance or trace it using the seam allowance that's already there? The seam allowance that's already there isn't consistant and it's jagged. I'm thinking I should trace the visible portion and add my seam allowance so I have a consistant 1" seam allowance all the way around making it easier to more accurate. Suggestions?

I would cut off their seam allowance and add my own. I use a 1/2" seam allowance. Trying to figure the shape of an out of shape piece of vinyl is tricky. If the curved front is out of shape on the vinyl, you could trace the curve from the wood bottom of the seat. You could also take a pattern from the foam using plastic and a sharpie.

Where the fabric is stapled on the wood- leave extra- you'll need it to pull it on when you staple. Then after its stapled on trim off the extra.

* That's a 1/2" seam allowance all the way around. A total of 1" larger.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

actually using the foam as my patter would be more accurate and cleaner. Got it on the seam allowance. Going to pick up my machine tomorrow. I went to Joann fabrics today to see what they had for vinyl to practice on. Doesn't need to be marine vinyl as it's just for a practice run before I use the expensive stuff. But their cheapest stuff is still $10/yd. could I just use fabric for practice?

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Upholstery advice

could I just use fabric for practice?

I would definitley use vinyl for practice.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

I would definitley use vinyl for practice.

I figured as much but thought I throw it out there. Thanks Bruce.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Upholstery advice

See if they have any remnants that are cheap. Basically ends of rolls that they have a tough time selling because the lengths are too short.

 

[sasto]

Re: Upholstery advice

Hey sasto. I'm down road from you in West Palm Beach. Nice looking boat BTW. Love your sig "Winterization"!

May our paths cross someday!

 

[BillP]

Re: Upholstery advice

I thought you guys were talking about a different speed control than normal. From oops pic it's the same clutch type as what I've used. The way to make the machine more controllable is change to a smaller motor pully. Its like night and day for control and only costs a couple bucks. The 206 is good for 3000 stiches per minute and 2000 is way plenty to learn on and sew boat stuff. I make my own piping with the cushion material and use the store bought stranded core or nylon line. The pre-made piping just doesn't hack it for me. Piping feet are not very critical to size so don't sweat the piping diameter being perfect. Making patterns...be very careful using old covers for patterns. Old fabric shrinks and stretchs to weird shapes and you can end up with a poor fit. This is expecially critical on dodgers and convertble tops. I'm talking from the school of hard knocks on that one.

For a cost reference I paid $1000 for a new 206-rb1 with stand and motor back in 1980. I sold it in 1987 for $600. More tidbits, get yourself a quality pair of sissors. I use two different sizes for fabric, one is a WISS 1226 (12") and I can't remember the other but it's a tad smaller WISS. If doing only one set get the larger one. I've found that thread clippers are also small handy tools for threadwork.

When and if you decide to bend frames, post it and I can share how I got started. It's cheap, easy and basic.

bp

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

I know about using stainless steel staples but what about galvanized staples? Can I use those instead? Heck of a lot cheaper. Thanks.

 

[canvasgirl]

Re: Upholstery advice

I know about using stainless steel staples but what about galvanized staples? Can I use those instead? Heck of a lot cheaper. Thanks.

If your using a staple gun from the hardware store like a T-50 you can get monel staples,expensive but basically they are stainless steel,, galvanized would be a 2nd choice,,they will eventually rust depnding on how wet they stay.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

I'll be using a Bostich Air Stapler model TU-216-71. Picked it up usedo on Ebay for $25. Original staples were 3/8" crown x 3/8" leg. Will be using the same. For the time and effort I'm putting in I'll just use SS Staples. About $35 for a box of 10,000.

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

The original seats had pleats stamped into the vinyl. I'd like to have pleats on the new covers however I can't find the 1/2 foam with the fabric backing. Anyone know where I can get this from? I can't even find just plan 1/2 sheet foam. If I use just plan foam what type of material should I back it with?

 

[Joker757]

Re: Upholstery advice

The original seats had pleats stamped into the vinyl. I'd like to have pleats on the new covers however I can't find the 1/2 foam with the fabric backing. Anyone know where I can get this from? I can't even find just plan 1/2 sheet foam. If I use just plan foam what type of material should I back it with?

Found it here http://www.yourautotrim.com/1thplfo.html