Organize multiple rolls of webbing and Velcro. Problem Storing different sizes, colors and types of webbing and Velcro takes up a lot of space, and can be messy. Solution Build a simple storage tower out of scrap materials that will organize multiple rolls of webbing, and will allow you to take your webbing to the [...]

This piece required a little extra help with a heat gun, but notice how nicely it makes the curve. While we modify what we can, sometimes by design, we find that we have to follow the original upholstery design and just get through it as best as we can. From my particular point [...]

Draw even, neat and accurate seam allowances and cut lines. Problem Drawing even seam allowances and sew lines on curved or odd-shaped pieces can be difficult and inaccurate. Solution Make a simple marking tool that has fixed pencil positions for predetermined seam allowances and cut line widths. This tool can be used with a straight-edge [...]

I am going to discuss what we refer to in our shop as “natural intersections.” I have been on so many boats with gaps to the outside at the bimini corners. These gaps allow water to enter the enclosure, which is unacceptable in quality canvas fabrication. There are many acceptable ways of fabricating canvas to [...]

I’m often asked about making a good-looking corner on a cushion. The answer depends on the cushion style and the materials you are using. Let’s start with the basic, no-frills cushion: square, no sew foam applied, but with a welt cord. I make all my own cord. I have tried to use a [...]

A Hood aft deck salon top and enclosure on the 120-foot yacht "Freedom" at the Newport Shipyard, Newport, R.I. At Hood Canvas, we always precut our pattern blanks to rough size, including any center lines. Most custom shops T-pin the enclosure pattern to the bottom half of the zipper on the bimini. We [...]

Position bimini frames easily and safely on boats with no hardware. Problem Positioning a new bimini frame on a boat without existing hardware can be difficult and dangerous, particularly when working by yourself or with a large, heavy frame. Solution Make simple, non-skid, non-marking “feet” that you can attach quickly and easily to the bimini [...]

It’s time to sit down at your sewing machine and begin to put the pieces of the fabric puzzle back together. You may have one or two machines to choose from, or several. Regardless of how many choices you have, you generally have a favorite. And, more than likely, the number-one reason for your choice [...]

Paul Charpentier of Paul's Custom Canvas, Denver, Colo., uses photos on his website to guide customers. Charpentier walks them through the discovery process by commenting on the photos. Charpentier's covers are designed for the long distances boats are trailered in his region, and to allow snow to slough off. Photo: Paul Charpentier. “Travel [...]

Cummins MerCruiser Diesel and large format printer Image Monster have collaborated to create the world’s biggest boat wrap, a compelling vision of blue marlin and mahi-mahi. The boat wrap, which was featured on the 60-foot QuadZeus at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, challenged Image Monster; the company had experience with car, van, truck and [...]