It is commonly used for outdoor activities, like boating.It is easy to use a sewing machine when stitching this sturdy material.Feed the canvas through the machine to create a strong, long- lasting seam once you have assembled the best thread, needle, foot, and seam style for your project.If you want to finish your project by hand, use a sturdy needle or awl.You can keep sewing canvas for your personal and recreational needs with enough practice and diligence.
Step 1: A size 40 heavy-duty thread is recommended.
Don't pick a cotton-based thread that is showing signs of wear.Check your craft store for threads that are specifically labeled for outdoor use.If you plan on using your canvas outside, try and find a thread with a smooth coating and UV protection included.These are more durable in the long run and should be used.You need a thick thread to sew canvas.
Step 2: Pick out a needle that can be used with denim.
Pick a sturdy needle to use in your sewing machine.You need to be able to puncture the canvas with a needle since it's a lot harder and thicker than other fabrics.You can check your local craft store for this type of needle.If you can't find something with a "denim needle" label, look for needles that are larger.A straight stitch setting can be used with a length of around 3.0 to 3.5.
Step 3: To accommodate the thick fabric, install a bulky overlock sewing foot.
If you want a piece made of thicker metal, switch out your sewing foot.If you don't have a thicker sewing foot on hand, check online or in a craft store for parts labeled "bulky overlock sewing feet."
Step 4: You can test out your machine by sewing through denim.
Feed 4-5 layers of denim or other bulky fabric beneath the foot of your sewing machine by stacking them.Your device can probably handle canvas projects if it successfully stitches through this denim.
Step 5: Simple projects can be done with an overlap seam.
Do you think your project is simple or complex?Are you just sewing 2 pieces of canvas together, or are you trying to make a tote bag?An overlap seam is the best option for an easy or quick sewing fix.One of the most basic stitching styles is overlapping seams.
Step 6: Use a soapstone pen to mark your seam allowance.
To find out how far you want the seam to go, use a ruler and a pen.If you want to have more wiggle room in your project, try giving yourself a small amount of seam allowance.Since you will be working with 2 pieces of canvas, make sure that both edges are marked with the same measurement.The marks on your canvas won't be permanent because soapstone pens will wear off with water.If you are working with dark colored canvas, choose a lighter pen.If you are working with lighter canvas, use a darker pen.
Step 7: To keep it in place, apply a strip of tape over the seam.
Measure and cut a strip of tape that matches the length of the seam.If you want your stitches to be consistent, try to use tape that is the same width as your seam allowance.You don't have to pull out pins with tape.If your seam allowance is less than 1 cm, you should use a tape that is at least 1.5 cm wide.Before you start sewing, be sure to peel off the backing tape so that both pieces of fabric stick together.
Step 8: Bastogne tape is used to stick 2 pieces of canvas together.
The seam allowances overlap evenly on the opposite edge of the canvas.Be sure to match the edges so that they stick together.To fully connect the materials, press along the edge of the canvas.The hold is provided by the basting tape.Press on the canvas until both sides are lined up.
Step 9: Around 0.125 in (0.32 cm) away from the 1 edge, feed the fabric through the machine.
The sewing machine foot needs to be aligned with the canvas pieces.If you want to keep the stitches close to the seam's edge, turn on the sewing machine and use a straight line.Don't put your stitches in the center of the seam allowance area because you'll be doing this twice.If you like sewing, you can feed the canvas through the machine more quickly.
Step 10: Place the material at the sewing machine's foot.
The other end of the seam should be settled at the sewing machine when the stitching material is turned 180 degrees.The sewing needle should be kept from the opposite side of the seam.There are 2 parallel lines of stitches next to one another in the finished overlap seam.
Step 11: From the opposite edge, place the fabric around 0.125 in.
Keep the needle in as straight a line as possible by feeding the canvas through the machine again.Attach a parallel line to the other row of stitches by working the opposite end of the seam.The canvas should be removed from the sewing machine after you finish stitching the seams.
Step 12: Excess thread should be removed from the material.
The extra thread should be removed with a pair of scissors.If you cut off the thread carefully, you don't want to mess up the stitching.The majority of sewing machines have built-in thread cutter.This device can be used to get rid of extra thread.
Step 13: If you don't want your stitches to be visible, choose a flat fell seam.
If you don't want the seam to be visible on either side of the material, use this stitch.Flat fell seams require you to fold in some fabric instead of sewing up and down the canvas.This seam is difficult if you don't know how to use a sewing machine.The sides of jeans have this seam on them.
Step 14: You should mark your seam allowance at a minimum of 1 inch.
Measure out a small increment along the edges of both canvas pieces using a ruler and marker.Keep in mind that smaller seam allowances leave less of a margin for error if you are inexperienced with a sewing machine.You can keep track of the guidelines later on by using multiple dashes to mark your seam allowance.
Step 15: Pin the pieces of canvas together.
Take one canvas edge and guide it over the second edge, lining up both seam allowances as you go.Sturdy pins are used to keep the material in place.Pin the bottom and top edges of the canvas to keep it in position.You can use binding clips if you don't want to use pins.
Step 16: The pieces of canvas should be fed through the sewing machine.
A basic stitch can be used to connect the pieces of canvas.Continue until you reach the opposite end of the material, removing the pins as you go.If there is excess fabric around the seam, use a pair of scissors to trim it away.If you have a lot of thread, you can trim it with a pair of scissors or the built-in thread cutter on the machine.
Step 17: To create a fold on the seam, fold the material over the hem and press it down.
If you bring the right piece of canvas, flip it to line up with the other piece.Press along the edge of your open seam to add a second layer to the folded fabric.The back of your project is considered this.The fabric should be pressed over the seam to make it appear folded.
Step 18: You need to flip the canvas over to work on the front side.
The edges of the canvas are facing upwards, so look for the now visible edge.At this point, make sure that the canvas is still folded in half.
Step 19: Press the canvas over the seam.
Move the folded section of canvas to the left to cover the previously visible seam.To accentuate the folded seam in the center, run 2 fingers down the edge of a new fold.The canvas should be splayed out with both pieces of material resembling a book.
Step 20: Stitch the edge of the seam that you just folded.
Align the needle on the edge of the new seam by folding the canvas over to the sewing machine.Stitch along the seam in a straight line as you feed the material through the machine.Continue sewing until you reach the edge of the folded seam.You should see a line of stitches along the edge of the seam.
Step 21: Along the edge of the opposite seam, sew.
Align the sewing needle on the opposite edge of the folded scene by flipping the canvas around by 180 degrees.Working the thread in a straight line, guide the needle along the canvas.Continue until you reach the opposite side of the seam.There are 2 parallel lines of stitches going along the edges of the hem.If you don't know how to use a sewing machine, you can go as slowly as you need.A folded portion of fabric should run down the center of the canvas pieces.
Step 22: Remove any loose threads from the canvas.
Use a pair of scissors to remove the threads from the seam.To keep your canvas secure, trim the threads without unraveling them.The thread cutter is attached to your sewing machine.
Step 23: If you prefer to sew manually, assemble sturdy needles and thread.
Needles designed for sewing canvas sails are recommended.Sail needles are ordered by size, with higher numbers indicating smaller needles.If you are stitching a sail, you should use a curved bench or sailmaker's hook to hold the canvas in place.Look for twine or other thread labeled for outdoor use.Your stitches will not hold in thick material if your needles and thread are not thick.
Step 24: If you need a basic seam, use a roundstitch.
Work the threaded needle into the edges of the canvas to create a loop formation.Pull the thread or twine tightly until you reach the ends of the material.If you are working on a large canvas project, secure the material into a bench hook.If you are working on a small canvas project, clip the edges together before you start.
Step 25: Attach the awl to the stitches more efficiently.
Follow the instructions to loop the heavy-duty thread through the bobbin and into the awl.Before you start any work, make sure the thread is looped through the central needle.As you work, keep your thread of choice nearby.
Step 26: To make a series of stitches, loop thread with the awl.
Use a firm block of wood or other sturdy surface to arrange and display your canvas, then stick the tip of awl into the part of the canvas that you would like to stitch.Measure out your desired length and add it to the sum.Before removing the awl from the canvas, loop this amount of thread around it.Pull on both ends of the thread to form your first stitch.The thread will be attached to the awl and the canvas.When you have finished sewing your canvas, repeat the process along your hem.