One of the most common mistakes made when repairing boat canvas is that people look for the quick fix solution. That is, putting on some tape on the damaged parts. That is a temporary fix; use the following method to solve the problem permanently.
Required Tools and Materials
Tape measure
Scissors
Sailmaker?s needle
Sailmaker?s thread
Canvas
Step 1
Get the tape measure. Use it to determine the dimensions of the damaged canvas. Now get your scissors and cut some canvas. It should be a bit larger than the damaged area. Of course this canvas you?re cutting needs to be of the same material as the one on the boat.
Step 2
To start repairing boat canvas, take the needle and thread. Whip stitch the patch?s edge. Use an oversewing stitch so it doesn?t stray. Start sewing over the torn section. Do this by stitching along the patch?s edge.
Step 3
Flip the cover and cut off most of the torn sections. Be sure to leave half an inch of overlap on the section you cut and the patch you just made.
Fixing a Torn Catamaran Boat Canvas
For this type of vessel, quick fix solutions like tape or glue won?t work. Instead you can try this method.
Required Tools and Materials
Marine canvas
Sailmaker?s polyester thread
Tape measure
Scissors
Sewing machine (you need the heavy duty type)
Step 1
Before you begin repairing boat canvas, get on the Catamaran and take off the old canvas. Using your tape measure, determine the dimensions of the damaged area.
Step 2
Jot down the size. Cut similar dimensions on your marine canvas but add half an inch for every side.
Step 3
Sew the patch with the sewing machine and the needle. The sewing should be in a zigzag manner along the patch?s perimeter. Allow the patch to overlap the rip by half an inch.
Step 4
Cut the torn canvas from the other side where you sew the marine canvas.
Notes on Irregular Canvas Tears and Others
If the tear is curved, repairing boat canvas will require you to slice a rectangular patch. If the rip is in the center, position the canvas so it is at the back of the sewing machine. Fold it at the edge patch if needed. Also, you should try to get the largest polyester thread possible.
When stitching, try to keep as near the patch edge as you can. Make sure you utilize the straight seaming stitch. It means the canvas will have a pucker right at the patch?s corner. However the large thread should be able to withstand any stress.
If you don?t have access to a sewing machine, get the sailmaker?s kit instead. Follow the instructions as indicated to use them properly. Double check the dimensions before you start cutting any pieces; a lot of mistakes can be avoided this way.
Although repairing boat canvas this way is more time consuming than taping, it is more effective. In the long run, it will actually save you time and money.
