Bimini backstay cutouts fabrication
January 1st, 2018
At Hood Canvas, we fabricate sailing biminis on a regular basis. By extending the bimini aft of the standing rigging, our customers get better sun and weather coverage at the helm. This means the backstay or backstays pass between bimini frame components. Folding the bimini is restricted to folding upward against the backstay. We recommend […]
Dodger, bimini and enclosure fabrication
September 1st, 2017
The big three—a dodger, bimini and enclosure combination on a Hylas 54 sailing yacht—combine a multitude of skill sets. It is one of the most challenging of all canvas projects to pull off correctly. In this article, we will examine the order of fabrication, techniques unique to this combination and pitfalls to avoid when fabricating […]
Working with pattern angles
September 1st, 2015
This article is a preview of our hands-on presentation at the Marine Fabricators Conference this coming Jan. 14-16 in Clearwater, Fla. I want to talk about manipulation of pattern angles for both better quality and less time spent patterning. I will attempt to simplify and not talk about one-step patterns here. Most really large jobs […]
Center console covers
September 2nd, 2014
As many of our students and readers know, we use Tyvek as our patterning medium here at Hood Canvas. We think of it as a reinforced brown paper. Plastic will expand, contract and stretch; Tyvek or brown paper will not. This effectively eliminates a variable in the build process. On non-tensioned loose-fitting covers such as […]
Retro sport top fabrication
March 1st, 2014
Years ago, sport tops with tails were considered the norm. In those days, we fabricated them with vinyl that had a denim backing. Most of the frames were vinyl-covered galvanized pipe, not stainless as is standard today. Navy tops made with acrylics are now the accepted standard. When we were asked to make a sport […]
Enclosure fabrication details
September 1st, 2013
At Hood Canvas, we have a unique method of fabrication that we teach to our students. Many shops around the world are now using our specialized large binder in their shops on a daily basis. This article will provide additional details into the way we reduce the time necessary to produce quality enclosures using our […]
Sewing machine technology and tips
July 1st, 2013
At Hood Canvas, as with all fabrication shops, the single-needle walking-foot sewing machine is the backbone of our business. Every shop has its favorite brand of machine and has achieved a level of comfort in everyday use. We have had many different brands of machines over the years and they all had one thing in […]
Tips for better fitting tops
May 1st, 2013
At Hood Canvas, as with any marine canvas shop, we like our tops to be tight and wrinkle-free. To accomplish this, certain rules must be followed in order to get consistent results, regardless of fabrication style. Fabric terminology Getting tops to fit correctly with the proper tension requires an even pull of the fabric fore […]
Fabricating small side curtains
March 1st, 2013
At Hood Canvas we fabricate our small side curtains with overlays of fabric along the bottom edges. The reason we do this is twofold. First, to minimize stretch and to facilitate folding, we cut our bottom attachments along the width of the fabric, selvage edge to selvage edge. Second, since most fabrics are only 60 […]
Applying binding cutouts
January 1st, 2013
At Hood Canvas, we use binders large and small in all our canvas fabrications. Some fabricators we know apply smaller edge bindings around corners by hand and get excellent results. Every shop has its method of applying edge bindings around cutouts, but it can be difficult, especially for new fabricators. In this article we are […]