Hello there form Charlotte, NC. I am not a pro or a business owner dedicated to upholstery but I have use a sewing machine (since when I was growing up) to do little projects. The machine I have now belonged to the ex and it is a very simple machine and I dont think it is capable of doing canvas work.
My pup up has 10 windows and all of them need the screen replaced, for some the damage is minimal, but here are about 3 that there are just not usable and coming apart. The prices I have been quoted are quite close to the price of a new canvas so I dont think I will go that route unless I find a shop that for whichever reason price the job withing my possibilities... However.... I have been thinking...
How about if I get a machine capable of working with canvas? Not the top of the line of course but that will not only let me fix my screens but I have new possibilities for other canvas projects....
So, can anyone give me a bit of guidance here, what should I look for a household entry level machine that will do canvas? Is tackling such a job too much for a beginner? Any advise on how to go around it?
Im not home so I cant tell you what is the sewing machine I have but I had problem with it doing jeans ( I was hemming for my daughter) so I doubt it will handle canvas....
I know the job will not look like it will when you pros do it but it seems I cant afford y'all! lol!
Thanks, please be nice...
Jeans are tuffer to sew than a simple canvas screeb job. If you have a lare enough needle your home machine migh do it. Slowly but it probably will. Cant hurt to try. Get a piece of sunbrella or comperable rabric, place a piece of screen betwwen it and try it.
That is an interesting piece of info... I would have thought canvas was stronger, tell you, Im so green... LOL!
Thanks for that info!
Canvas has many meanings. Old style "Canvas" was actually cotton duck. Canvas today can be duck, acrylics, or other fabrics. Sunbrella is one Acrylic brand and there are others. Acrylic is very strong. And would be stronger than denim. But a thinner fabric than denim jeans. When hemming a pair of jeans your sewing through 6 layers ate the vertical seams. Very thick. That is where a home machine will have trouble. What Nandy is asking will be 3 layers of a thinner weight fabric plus the screening.
I made a entire new set of canvas for a pop once and never did another I didn't get enough and id never get enough for the PIA it was the hard part is getting it all off to replace the screens and also being able to get into the center of a huge odd shaped canvas to replace the screen, and roll all the canvas up to get it under the arm, of the machine, its easier to make a whole new canvas package and sew the windows as you go adding on the next piece. its worth the agravation
Quote from: Mike on April 03, 2014, 07:44:03 pm
the hard part is getting it all off to replace the screens and also being able to get into the center of a huge odd shaped canvas to replace the screen, and roll all the canvas up to get it under the arm, of the machine, its easier to make a whole new canvas package and sew the windows as you go adding on the next piece. its worth the agravation
That's what I was going to say, having done repairs & modifications on our own 'pop up' it's getting all the canvas under the machine to reach the repair that's the real problem, not the actual sewing.
Have a real good look at it before you even think of taking it off. If your window panels are zip out your home free, other wise think again.
Also if the windows are that bad, how good is the canvas & overall stitching ?
Suzi
Canvas is good. The problem was the previous owner folding procedure. He will lower the ceiling after folding the bunk beds and it was pushing here and there, instead of jut pushing where there is just canvas which is how I fold. What do you mean zip out window panels? our zip down but you cant take them off. It is like an inverted U.
This canvas is not hard to take off and if I were to keep it for much longer I would just replace the canvas for a new one.
Thanks for the info...
she meant if the windows zipped completely off it would be easy to make new window using the old zipper on the canvas it way be easy to remove but its a big piece to wrestle and get under the needle while trying to line up correctly what you want to sew.
Well, took that Riccar 555 to the shop today to have it look at. The interesting thing is that when i walked in the shop and talk to the lady she pointed out to me that the machine came from that store, it had their label on it... I was like wow....
Anyway, they will look at it (the technician was not there) and call me back to let me know if this machine is worth paying the $100 for maintenance and if it will do the canvas work I want to do. While I was there I asked her which of their machine could do what I was wanting to do and she pointed out a PFAFF machine, I dont recall the model but it was around $300 so it was not as bad as I thought.
Im looking at getting some polyester v92 or v138, just about 4 or 8 oz which should be plenty for my use. Is there any thread that is more economical that I can use to practice? I will also have to find some vinyl canvas to practice on. I though if I went to a place that do upholstery they might not mind me taking some of their scrap, Do you guys think that is a bad idea?
I need to locate:
Zippers (between 12 ft to 3ft long) for joining the canvas and repair an awning bag and the rubber like material that is used to attach the canvas to the camper box (not sure what the name is). Also if I can find the exact same material that was used for my canvas I could replace a section that the previous owner patched over. Not sure if the picture will be clear enough but right over the hatch you can see where he painted the board white and how the canvas is of different color. The texture is also different, it is more like a seat cover than the canvas. I would like to redo that including the zipper.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi305.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn215%2Fnandy_temp%2Ffire_damage_detail.jpg&hash=094852cab2d1f0574299b418b4deb4a4)
Anyone care to share where to get these online?
Thanks!
I (and most of the regulars here) have wholesale accounts with suppliers. You won't be able to buy from them. I suggest you do a google search for the zips you're looking for. Better yet, once you have your required list of zippers why don't you call a local canvas/awning shop and ask if they'll sell you what you need? Be prepared to pay their retail price and any taxes. Support the local business! The shop I worked for would sell materials, but don't expect them to "hold your hand" and give you their hard earned experience.
I do support local business to the extend that my wallet allows me, LOL! I have seen the zippers, threads, bobbins, ect... online, just looking for more options but then I understand about the wholesale issue. I will be stopping at some shops but I am just not sure how they will receive my request and I know at sometime I might need their services so I don't want to burn any bridges.
My motto in life is "i can do whatever another man can do" and it stands true except for when it is something artistic or abstract. Sewing is an art, Im sure my beginners jobs will suck and might get better but never to the level of the advanced or pro's unless I have a hidden talent I am not aware of.
Thanks!
Nandy, we routinely sold stock to "off the street" customers. NO problem, but a lot of them thought they could buy items for "cost"... lookin' for the "good buddy" discount. And they'd waste precious minutes of our work time "pickin' our brains" for "help" (for "free"). I'm pretty easy goin', but I never answer pointed questions from "wannabes". EVER!
Present your required inventory of zippers, keep questions to a minimum, pay your tab, and go home. I'll be blunt: every single DIYer I've ever encountered had no compunction about "asking questions", and boy! did they ask them! Can you say "time HOG"?
I've put in over 30 yrs. to master my trade. When someone walks in and wants to buy supplies I'm "good with it". When they blab on and on about their project, wasting my time and obviously trawling for "tips" I'm pretty curt (read: rude).
Just sayin'!
10' zipper may be a problem finding my suppliers don't have any 8' ya
I can get 10' zips locally, but for longer I just go to zipperstop.com. Check them out. As for the other required items, just get them online. I did for about my first 2 years in business until I found and established wholesale accounts with various vendors.
June
Thanks for the info guys!
Bobbin, I guess the dealer that I went back to get my old beater from and buy that Pfaff is of your same mind set. Man, he was rude to the point that I left without buying the machine. I figure he is not the only Pfaff dealer in Charlotte. I do understand time is money, I was a small business owner myself and I also understand when someone is not willing to give away trade secrets, reason why I was hesitant to go bother the local owners for parts and scraps and are more inclined to just shop online... but this guy.... He sells/service sewing machines and I was there to pick the machine I left there for service and was looking to buy a Pfaff1142. He made the minimal eye contact possible, walked across the showroom away from me while I was asking him questions about the machine I wanted to buy, he answer a few questions while still looking to the outside of the shop. Pretty much a "hurry up and go or buy the machine" attitude and I am not about to throw $300+ in anything until I feel satisfied. BTW, the shop was empty and he was manning the front when I got there. He has nothing else to do, I know because when I got frustrated I left the store and I was parked right in front of it. I went and try to Google the answers to the questions he did not answer and struggle with the decision of to buy or not to buy the machine from him. He was there in the store front, not doing anything else, BTW, he is the technician and store owner... The lady that help me yesterday was a sweetheart, had she been there I would had walked out with the machine.
BTW, my biggest question was trying to understand how if the machine can handle piercing thru a men leather belt and how, as he said, it had no problems piercing the canvas I wanted, How come the v92/138 poly thread was the problem item? Pretty much what the told me the problem was not the machine handling the canvas but the machine not being able to handle thev92 or v138 poly, as if the machine was not strong enough for that? Anywhere can share? if there is a better forum to ask these questions please let me know.
Thanks!
If your wanting to sew 92 or 138 with a home machine you may have trouble finding large enough needles. I dont think home machine needles come in sizes large enough.
A good place to source canvas and supplies without setting up a trade account is Rochfordsupply.com
They just need a $50 minimum but will have what you need with prices that compare to trade suppliers on a lot of stuff and beat many suppliers on hardware and fasteners.
There are usually commercial machines available on craigslist. See what you find in your area and post here to get feedback on the whats available. There are commercial machine suppliers on this site in the classifieds that can set you up at fair prices.
Heres a neat place to look at various models.
http://www.miamisewing.com/Page_2x.html
I don't sell machinery. Anyone wishing to sell machinery should be willing to help you, secure in the knowledge that his mark up on the machinery in question is secure. It's a shame the vendor missed an opportunity. And I understand your frustration.
I, however, sell a hard earned skill and the reputable delivery of it. I don't give lessons on how to DIY (unless it's for my hourly rate). Every spring the legions of DIYers call and ask to "pick my brain"... . They want "help", or the names/addresses of my suppliers and it never seems to register that asking me to focus on them and answer their questions for free is about as insulting as it gets! Will I order materials for someone who knows what they want? absolutely. And for my 50% mark up. Will I sit and work out what materials they need to accomplish their job? no way. There is a difference between your dealer and me, one I hope my explanation has clarified.
I had a problem with a secondhand machine I was sold to do some sail repairs, it eventually turned out that the machine couldn't handle the thread size ( so I was later told ) the machine was plenty strong enough, I think it is more to do with the path the thread takes ie: may be to thick to pass cleanly out of the bobbin casing, just guessing & good strong thread may wear tension disks etc extra quick.
BTW they wouldn't take the machine back as they said it was fine with ''normal'' thread !
Suzi
One place to get really good sewing machine advice is yahoogroups wefixit. It has a large contingent of sewing machine repair technicians who give great expert advice freely.
One more time guys, thanks for the information.
Bobbin, neither I wanted or I am trying to offend you so I apologize if I did. Where I saw the parallel was in the perception that I felt he wanted me to go there, buy the machine and leave instead of asking question where you (as I perceived from your post) wanted the DIYers to "Present your required inventory of zippers, keep questions to a minimum, pay your tab, and go home." I really don't see much difference between the two but that is just me.
I got the 555FA working last night. Adjusted the needle bar as it seemed it was a bit too long then set the timing/adjusted the hook gear. Machine is picking up good but seems my ex had the wrong bobbin case and the wrong bobbin in it. However, the bobbin case seems to be a close enough for the machine but the class 15 bobbins and the 66 class bobbins are too wide and the bobbin case never clicks in secure. If I push the empty bobbin case in it clicks secure fine. The vibration of the machine makes the unsecured bobbin case come loose and you get a mess. If I use my stitch ripper plastic end to gently keep the bobbin in place it stitch fine. I went to a different shop to see if they stocked those bobbins and bobbin case but they don't. They got me the correct part numbers and I told them to go ahead and order them even I could have them cheaper online myself but their mark up was not too bad and I see myself doing more business with them in the future.
In the other hand this machine did not feel too strong and It did seem to have a little problem with some of the upholstery thread on 4 layers of cotton so I am not sure it will do the trick of going 2 or 3 pieces of vinyl canvas. Once I have it all stock and properly lubed we shall see. Also, that foot pedal don't seems to be working properly. I will have to check it later with my voltmeter to see if I am having a large loss across it.
I will look into that other forum group.
Thanks y'all.
Im starting with baby steps, I did a few jeans and shirts alterations, pillow cases and will work on making some curtains for both pop up campers before tackling the windows. However since I have not done that before I have a question or two. The way the current screens are build in the canvas the top and side are sewn behind the canvas while the bottom is sewn on top of the canvas. Im sure that bottom is sewn that way to help drain any water trapped in the screen fabric. However, If I follow that pattern the needle holes from the original screen will probably show so I thought maybe it makes no difference if I sew the new screen on top of the canvas. The screen is sewn in by itself so removing the old threads will only have effect on the screen. Here is a few pictures, maybe better than my words!!! lol! PS- Pictures are too small so I attached the links to them.
Window screen shot:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi305.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn215%2Fnandy_temp%2F20140510_212415.jpg&hash=14f3ecca1ab8cefe948ccecc7c0724be)
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/nandy_temp/20140510_212415.jpg
Lower right close up:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi305.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn215%2Fnandy_temp%2F20140510_212453.jpg&hash=7eca3ffc987d47d0a0a2d7e44b572741)
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/nandy_temp/20140510_212453.jpg
Upper left close up:
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi305.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn215%2Fnandy_temp%2F20140510_212438.jpg&hash=9b626127cf83f7503c8636e2346440a4)
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/nandy_temp/20140510_212438.jpg
So what do y'all think?
I assumed they used a double needle set up to get those stitches so beautifully parallel, am I correct?
I was a little surprised by that Riccar. It is all steel but the hook gear and the dial for the stitch type. Previously before I fixed it all I worked on was on my son T-shirts and because of the hook gear crack you could not pull long line of stitches. Add the machine having the wrong bobbin and I can understand why the ex got frustrated with it and boxed it in a corner. Anyway, It handed the canvas great. However, I had to get that tension up for the v69/92 and I noticed that affected the speed a bit. Once I get my other bobbin cases I will adjust the bobbin case for these threads a bit lower, maybe a separate bobbin for each, and that should allow me to relax that upper tension a bit more and maybe gain some power back. Other than that the machine had no noticeable problem handling up to 4 layers on canvas on either thread and it started on its own with no help on the balance wheel. On layer 6 I had to step on the pedal a bit more for it to start on its own and layer 8 would start only once I had the pedal to the metal!!! LOL! However, once the machine started I could slow down and speed up without much problems. I do the first stitches with the balance wheel anyway so keeping my hand there for a push in the unlikely case of 8 layers should not be a problem. All I can wish right now if for a larger stitch and a walking foot.... But no in this machine. Looking at a Janome hd1000. I was interested in the Toyota FG325? but no dealers close by kinda kills the deal. Im not spending $350 and then finding myself with no support. There are a few Janome dealers in the surrounding area.
Anyway, here is the shots of the practice canvas..
6 Layers of canvas with Dababond bonded polyester v69
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi305.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn215%2Fnandy_temp%2F20140510_210912.jpg&hash=8918685d9a2e4716dd9e6e78133d3956)
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/nandy_temp/20140510_210912.jpg
8 Layers of canvas with Dababond bonded polyester v92
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi305.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn215%2Fnandy_temp%2F20140510_223758.jpg&hash=dce10e1d66032c97f246b61f3ec79f2a)
http://i305.photobucket.com/albums/nn215/nandy_temp/20140510_223758.jpg
If I could just find a similar canvas (vinyl infused I believed) to practice I would feel better. Heck, I would like to find the exact same material to fix the section over the water heater where the previous owner made a booboo and had 2 pieces there replaced and the zipper is ruined....
Thanks!
Quote from: Nandy on May 02, 2014, 03:28:30 pm
One more time guys, thanks for the information.
Bobbin, neither I wanted or I am trying to offend you so I apologize if I did. Where I saw the parallel was in the perception that I felt he wanted me to go there, buy the machine and leave instead of asking question where you (as I perceived from your post) wanted the DIYers to "Present your required inventory of zippers, keep questions to a minimum, pay your tab, and go home." I really don't see much difference between the two but that is just me.
I wasn't offended. I was simply telling you how it feels to be a professional who's faced with this sort of situation every single spring (usually a month before Memorial Day.
Our pop up is made from cotton tencate canvas there are also versions which are a mixture
http://www.tencate.com/emea/outdoor-fabrics/products/TenCate-Cotton/default.aspx .
I went out & bought a new canvas for ours, no time or inclination to make our own at the time, the OH decided to reseal some bolts which went through the trailer top = floor of the tent & managed to catch a tiny piece of canvas in one of the bolt heads on opening it up we made a nice little L shaped tear near the corner of the tent.
I spoke to the manufacturers & they sent me a metre of canvas, I unpicked the seams & added another one to line up with the window, I used 6mm double sided venture tape to seal the old needle holes & antiwick v92 stitched exactly along the old lines. You can hardly see it at all in the pictures but it continues down the the left of the window (from the outside)
It never leaked a drop, even himself was impressed.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1000556_zpse30b1eac.jpg&hash=dbf58421f6948b5b14d6c410f8e38423) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1000556_zpse30b1eac.jpg.html) (https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1000553_zps8d5f752d.jpg&hash=f025988c1e8489339b5445f4b910869b) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1000553_zps8d5f752d.jpg.html) (https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1000552_zpsf418cce9.jpg&hash=32dcd36cb16351144febdfb28deab09e) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1000552_zpsf418cce9.jpg.html)
Suzi
The manufacturer of this pop open drop out of making them years ago. I called them in the past and they are no help but one one lady and she's not there anymore.
Thanks!
Looks good nandy
Campers are obviously different in Spain and Canada. Here are a couple of pics of my old camper;
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe216%2Fdjh_64%2Fth_camper7_zps8becac7f.png&hash=7c5445e3e533d5efb47e94a552d35098) (http://s40.photobucket.com/user/djh_64/media/camper7_zps8becac7f.png.html)
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi40.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fe216%2Fdjh_64%2Fth_camper5_zpsda0d75f1.png&hash=032aa1e4987b4ebf9a71b4f7c7a791bb) (http://s40.photobucket.com/user/djh_64/media/camper5_zpsda0d75f1.png.html)
Quotethe OH decided to reseal some bolts which went through the trailer top = floor of the tent &
Here the top gets cranked straight up and the beds slide out fore and aft. Occasionally the "kitchen" will slide out the side.Add a few support poles and you're set to go.
Do you have any pics of your set up Suzi? It looks intriguing.
We don't have many manufacturers in Spain, one of the biggest is Comanche who have recently joined with or been taken over by combicamp. Very few models to choose from.
They are all really more folding tents than pop ups, we have the comanche montana, the main unit on the trailer pops open when you swing the top (lid) of the trailer over, push up a couple of poles & thats your bed for the night. The awning takes more putting up but gives you plenty of space for a longer stay.
We have 'naturally' done a few of our own mods to it, which include. Skirts around the trailer keeps the humidity from under the bed, changed the zipper on the awning so the front can flap down, great for keeping the dogs in. Extra kitchen box on the back more useful than the front box & keeps the weight off the pin.
(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1010151_zps1969dd0d.jpg&hash=87cf91d22c23ae25ae5c2b61a24d5b8a) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1010151_zps1969dd0d.jpg.html)(https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1010071_zps565d2ac4.jpg&hash=7c9f8edfe04eb59e48bb8ac5e3de325e) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1010071_zps565d2ac4.jpg.html) (https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1010199_zps7694356d.jpg&hash=c57faa72c0f4ae3107c7326d7857b75e) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1010199_zps7694356d.jpg.html) (https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1010056.jpg&hash=8c6c4d486a44c7f05b8a754618f18115) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1010056.jpg.html) (https://forum.upholster.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1067.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fu431%2FNala52%2Fth_P1010478_zps088e4ba3.jpg&hash=bf85f769e561e4d6b38b2f9a3d749402) (http://s1067.photobucket.com/user/Nala52/media/P1010478_zps088e4ba3.jpg.html)
That is pretty slick. Europeans have always been more creative with space conservation.with that add-a-room you get more living space with less weight and bulk to tow. Over here most hard sided RV's have a roll out awning on the passenger side and our add-a-rooms are three sided and attach to the roll out awnings.Around here, with the size of some of these units, only 25-30 % invest in add-a-rooms.
I don't have a pic,maybe Chris could pop one up when he gets back from his walk a bout.
Thanks Mike! suzi, that is a nice looking tent. I have to agree that it does have a better use of space. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, we are really happy with it. It's camping with a decent bed :-)
The down side is every thing needs to be packed away, just like normal tent camping, except the bed & the kitchen.
The upside is you have much less to tow behind you & can go many places that caravans & campers are banned .That's the sort of high up winding road places we like.
On top of which it doesn't take up much space when it's not in use, apparantly you can stow it on it's side, but we don't need to do that.
Good luck with the refurb Nandy, tencate is widely used for this sort of thing, check out some samples.
Suzi
Quoteevery thing needs to be packed away, just like normal tent camping, except the bed & the kitchen.
I meant to ask you about that. What amenities are built in? Our's usually have a 2 or 3 burner stove top (propane), sink with hand pump (maybe 12 V on the higher end units) & freshwater reservoir. Ice boxes have pretty much been replaced with small 12V/propane fridges , and I see a fair number of small propane furnaces and inverters to run a wee bit of 110 (house hold currant here) off the 12 V along with the 12 V light(s).
No, it doesn't come with the posh kitchens like the combi camps. Or lighting
We built our own kitchen, two burner cooker with grill, fridge and storage.
Water is a 20/30 litre water carrier that sits on the end of the unit, we don't bother with pumps & sinks, just walk it all over to the camp wash facilities. The OH has wired 220v mains & lights so we can plug in any site if we want to.
The fridge runs off 12v / 220v or gas. If we don't have 220v available it's not worries just run off gas & batteries.
Suzi
Im not familiar with tencate, I have found a few stores that have the canvas and the marine canvas for the top of the pull outs. We shall see, still completing other small projects before I take on the screens. I might even do a few panels for the small camper first just to get some sewing time under my belt. The difference is that I am not planing on selling the small camper where the big one with the window problem will be sold in order to help pay for a hybrid unit.
Thanks!