Association Forum - Cushion fabric

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Cushion fabric

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

Page: of 2

RichardG
Admiral

Member Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/06/2004 : 12:54:57

Well, I completed my first ever sewing project (handrail covers) which came out pretty good. So I'm feeling kind'a cocky about my sewing prowess and am thinking of making new covers for the cabin cushions. The old ones, sort of aqua green/blue and made by the previous owner, served very well by covering up the original early 80's plaid earthtone cushions, but are now a bit stale.

Anyway, I'm looking for pictures of the fabric color and style association members have used. It's one thing to hold up the fabric in a store, trying to envision how it will look in the boat -- it's another thing (more helpful) to see pictures of different fabrics already on the cushions in the boat.

Any help is sincerely appreciated.

RichardG 81 FK/SR #2657
Terminal Island, CA

Edited by - on

Todd Frye
Navigator

Members Avatar

USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 13:52:20

Richard,
Could you post photos of your hand rail cushions? This is a project I'm thinking about. Also, what type of sewing machine did you use and how did it perform for you? Come on Spring! Todd Frye

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 14:56:22

Todd:

Re: Handrail covers

I'll try to get a picture.

I used my wife's 20 year old Kenmore -- it has what I think is called a "walking foot" which pushes (or pulls in reverse) the fabric through at a constant rate. I got the idea from an article in Good Old Boat mag (July/Aug issue?). It was amazingly easy. The toughest part is making the pattern.

1) Wrap/tape newspaper around the handrail, so that the sides/ends just hit the deck. Cut the ends about 2" down the middle (along the axis of the rail) so that you now have a completely flat pattern.

2) Put the pattern on top of your fabric (I used el cheapo $2/yd stuff because I considered it a prototype at that point). Mark and then cut the fabric, leaving an extra 1/2" or so extra on all sides for seams. You may want to have an additional allowance for shrinkage.

3) Fold (to the inside of the handrail cover) and then sew the two long seams. Sew in reverse over the stitches on the ends of the seams to prevent the stitches from pulling out. Fold (again to the inside of the handrail cover) and then sew the two end seams (a slight curve). Then simply turn the cover right-side out.

3) Install snaps at the point under the 2nd rail of each end for securing the cover to the rail. Velcro would work also.

4) Tease your wife about how easy sewing really is; then let her defend herself by picking out all the sewing flaws in your handrail covers.

5) Put them on your boat. Let slip neighbors give you lots of compliments, oblivious to all the little flaws your wife spotted because you used thread the same color as the fabric.

Mine came out so good and basically match the rest of the canvas that my prototypes are good to go. However I realize that using cheap, non-treated canvas and thread, as well as non-stainless snaps, may make me come back to this project sooner than if I used the good stuff.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 15:04:45

I like my cushions and they are different than any I have seen, They seem to be canvas and they use the old vinyl back from the original cushions.

Edited by - on

Doug
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
457 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 15:07:04

For what it's worth- We just bought 20+ yards of 100% nylon fabric for about $55.00 including shipping on eBay. It's the same heavy wt fabric you see on office furniture or cubicle walls. The seller mailed us a sample before we bid on it. Recommend you search using "upholstery 14" 15, 16 or or whatever to limit the returns to materials with enough yardage to do the boat. At less tha $3.00 a yard you can afford to take a chance.

Edited by - on

Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 15:40:38

Hey Frank and Martha.

What is that silver tubing along your cabin floor?

Is it like one of those foot rails in those old fashioned bars you see in the cowboy movies?

Edited by - on

Dan86
Navigator

Members Avatar

130 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 17:09:59

This is a timely topic for me. I was wondering, do you have to use a marine grade fabric? probably a dumb question, but, I want to make sure that if i do it it will last. Any help is awesome. dan 86 FK/TR

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 17:51:24

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Gloss
 Hey Frank and Martha.

What is that silver tubing along your cabin floor?

Is it like one of those foot rails in those old fashioned bars you see in the cowboy movies?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Sorry, it is only where I store my whisker pole, there is a thread on it back around September. Several people store them there, my contribution to the idea is the black collar which is some sort of shore power coupling that fit just right and dressed up the hole. Now, if I had a 350, it would be a foot rail to my bar.

Edited by - on

Captain B
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
88 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2004 : 18:55:06

Yepper!!! A 350!!! What a great looking boat.

Edited by - on

Captain B
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
88 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 12:34:34

My local K-Mart is having a truckload sale on Singer school model sewing machines today. They're advertised to be able to sew canvas and even leather. At $198, I think I'm going to try my hand at sewing. Probably something small at first, loke a tiller cover, then maybe I'll try a jib bag. Anybody had any experience with one of these machines?

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 14:00:45

Frank:

Those stripes look good!

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">do you have to use a marine grade fabric<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

While others may disagree, I don't think it's required for "interior" cushions; plus non-treated fabric has a more comfortable "feel" to it. Clearly it won't last as long as treated fabric, but my current cushion covers have lasted about 10 years which I feel is very reasonable (and ten years from now, I'm guessing I'll want a change in styling).

In contrast to Frank's, whose interior foam pieces look like they have been "re-upholstered", I plan to make covers to replace my current ones which simply slip over the original, brown-plaid/vinyl cushions (like tight pillow cases, enclosed on one end with buttons) -- MUCH less complicated.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 15:04:32

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by RichardG
 Frank:

Those stripes look good!

In contrast to Frank's, whose interior foam pieces look like they have been "re-upholstered", I plan to make covers to replace my current ones which simply slip over the original, brown-plaid/vinyl cushions (like tight pillow cases, enclosed on one end with buttons) -- MUCH less complicated.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks I like the stripes too.
Not wanting to be PC incorrect or anything

have you considered taking them to one of the rapidly multiplying vietnamese seamstresses? In our town they are everywhere and probably would see the job as an easy one rather than a chance to over charge boat units.
As for the pillow case idea, two things:
1. you loose your snaps to hold the cushion backs in place.
2. even a dry boat gets moisture between cushions and the fiberglass, that is why the vinyl is there.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 15:34:17

I highly recommend getting a 'standard' fabric... one you can get MORE of later on if you need to re-do a cushion or add something to the interior.

If you buy a 'one-off' make sure you get enough so you can squirrel some away for future use.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 15:43:50

[url="http://www.sunbrella.com/usa/showroom.shtml"]Sunbrella[/url] interior fabrics come in a wide variety of colors and prints, are rot resistant, and are somewhat mildew-proof.

Edited by - dlucier on 02/07/2004 15:44:36

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 20:33:35

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">have you considered taking them to... <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I have, but to me this project is worth maybe 50 bucks at most -- one dime more would not be worth it. Plus, I don't think the project will be very hard and I would not get the satisfaction of doing it myself if I simply wrote a check.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">you loose your snaps to hold the cushion backs in place.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

My current covers have little holes (like button holes) sewn in strategic places so the snaps hold the cushion backs securely. I plan the same when I make mine.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">even a dry boat gets moisture between cushions and the fiberglass<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

This is an issue for the cushions in the v-berth and quarterberth, so the covers in those areas are better described as well-fitted sheets, with thin, velcro'd straps going underneath the vinyl. However, my cushions in the cabin/salon/saloon have always remained pretty dry, even while covered completely around -- hopefully, this will continue with the new covers.

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 02/07/2004 : 23:15:23

I used 8 oz stretch denim from Jo Ann fabric, did the job myself, used the old vinyl backs and foam. Took some time but it came out nice and it's worth the work.

Recovered my cockpit cushions, too. Used green marine vinyl from Jo Ann fabrics. Simply sewed large bags, slid the old cushions in, and sewed the end up. Came out very semi-professional looking.

Edited by - on

Captain B
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
88 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2004 : 13:02:00

Jim, Nice cushion covers! I also noticed the cam cleats you have on the cabin roof. Do you use one to secure your main halyard? How do they work for you?

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2004 : 13:48:38

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Captain B
 Jim, Nice cushion covers! I also noticed the cam cleats you have on the cabin roof. Do you use one to secure your main halyard? How do they work for you?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Jim's boat is probably the best outfitted racing sloop in our organization, always study every picture he posts, you will see lots of goodies and ideas. Note the massive self-tailers! Did you spot his red winch handle stuck in his coaming? It seems to be a solution to; "how do you flip winds off a winch in preperation for a tack if your tailer has left the handle in".

Edited by - on

Captain B
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
88 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2004 : 15:32:47

Yepper. Those are some pretty beefy winches.

Edited by - on

La Dolce Vita
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
86 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2004 : 15:53:45

You can buy a big roll of plastic template material at Boat Us for around $5-$10. It is sold for making carpet templates but works great for everything. I used Sunbrella to make covers for the companionway,handrails & railwood for my C22 and now I am getting ready to make them for my C25. The biggest frustration is making the covers for the railwood but it's worth doing. The cover for the companionway also kept out the rain. My cushions are in good shape so I am not planning that project for anytime soon.
A great source for all your project needs can be found at Sailrite.com or call them for a catalog. They will send samples of materials at your request.A few items that you might consider buying to make the job easier are Binding Tape & Acrylic Basting Tape.

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 02/08/2004 : 19:39:16

Capt. B so sorry for the late entry, guess the salefolk for Singer at Kmart have picked up and left by now. I bought one of their school machines...actually it is the Scholastic 6510. All metal gears. I went to check out the cheap model and ended up with the top of the line one for my intended purpose...sewing boat stuff. Money well spent, I used it on heavy plastic, muti layers of Sunbrella as well as regular fabric. The machine is great. I considered the sailrite machine, but this one is close in abilities and had far more features less $. Grab one if your in the market and they come around again.

Edited by - sailgal on 02/08/2004 19:43:39

Captain B
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
88 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 09:35:27

Suzie, I grabbed a machine. Like you I went in for the cheep school model and left with a top of the line Binsford 2000 model that does every thing but sew by itself.

Edited by - on

sailgal
Captain

Members Avatar

USA
400 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 11:21:14

Good luck with it, I got carried away for a while making covers for everything, lots of fun. Check out ebay, and watch for deals. I bought Capt. navy sunbrella fabric for 7.00 a yard. Beats West Marines 19.00 a yard!

Edited by - on

JimB517
Past Commodore

Members Avatar

USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 13:40:07

Thanks very much Frank for the complement about being well outfitted for racing. But I just bought the boat like that (from very experienced racers). Now, outfitting it for extended cruising and fishing is something I've done!

We're going to see come great pictures soon, because Gary took his camera on our weekend outing.

By the way, a whisker pole is the best money you can spend to improve downwind performance. Poling out my 135 genny adds 1.5 knots to boat speed. The C25, usually slow downwind, passes everyone with the genny poled out.

Some day I'll take lots of photos of all the racing mods on the boat and post them for you.

Edited by - on

RichardG
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
990 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2004 : 23:17:47

Thanks for the suggestions. I really liked Frank's stripes, but my wife vetoed the white due to the 2.37 drinks/day which on average get spilled on them by young kids in rocky anchorages (although she'll consider stripes sans white). Then Jim came in with the denim idea -- wife gave it the "it's got promise" look. Or...maybe...denim stripes! Well, off to JoAnn Fabric.

Edited by - on

dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2004 : 09:22:26

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by RichardG
 I really liked Frank's stripes, but my wife vetoed the white due to the 2.37 drinks/day which on average get spilled on them by young kids in rocky anchorages (although she'll consider stripes sans white). Then Jim came in with the denim idea -- wife gave it the "it's got promise" look. Or...maybe...denim stripes! Well, off to JoAnn Fabric.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I, too, have relatively young kids and during the season I take a lot of their friends and cousins sailing with us. With this in mind, I need a fabric that coordinates well with smashed Oreo's, spilled Coke, cracker crumbs, sticky candy, ground in potato chips, Fruit Loops, and the occasional byproduct from a case of Mal de Mer.

I was thinking this particular Sunbrella fabric might go well with the above mentioned items...

On second look, this pattern is giving me a case of Mal de Mar!

Edited by - dlucier on 02/10/2004 09:26:25

Page: of 2

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.