Anyone done DIY sewing projects?

[hwhayes]

So, while spending lots of time at home I have gotten interested in exploring some do it yourself sewing projects for our 2015 Ranger R21 EC.
It needs curtains, so that will probably be the first project. Several TugNut subscribers have mentioned Sailrite as a good source for all that would be needed. I have spent too much time exploring their website.
https://www.sailrite.com/
Lots of excellent DIY videos.
If I get into this then, after curtains, I may tackle a much bigger project, cockpit cushions. Here's their video on how to make them:
https://www.sailrite.com/How-to-Make-Co ... 1709806858
The purpose of this post is to ask whether any of you have ever tackled making any fabric pieces for your boat?
I see that this may lead to my having to consider one of their sewing machines as well. So, does anyone have experience with those, or any other heavy duty sewing machine that can handle this type of project?

Any advice or recommendations are greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Bruce Moore]

Vicki has undertaken many projects, inside and out, for all four of our Ranger Tugs. She has used Sailrite tutorials and materials for almost everything. I've been trying (unsuccessfully) to persuade her to get one of their machines but so far she's completed them all with patience and what is now a 42 year old Bernina sewing machine.

We love getting the Sailrite catalog in the mail. It's like Christmas.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Mr. Ed]

I made a curtain for the inside of my windshield a few months ago. Fabric from JoAnn's - nothing special, just a rough texture in a brown that complimented the upholstery. Used a length of 1/8" cord for the 'curtain rod', suspended with hammock hooks at the middle and either end. I folded it over to make it double thickness so all that's visible is the finished side of the material and it's a little darker.

Some months ago I bought a Singer 4411 heavy duty sewing machine for this and other projects, and it worked like charm. My mother taught me to use a sewing machine back in the early 1960s, and this is the first time I had the chance to use the knowledge. Piece of cake!

I also bought one of the magnetic screen door sets, where the magnets meet in the middle of the door. The OEM unit was much too wide, so I cut it down to fit the width of the main door, and sewed edging and velcro onto the perimeter. Maybe not as professional as out of the package, but close enough for me.

 

[Toki]

I did all the upholstery on my sailboat; dinette, setee, Vberth, cockpit, everything. It took a very long time, and came out looking OK but not great. I used several tutorials as guides, the Sailrite ones were the best. I also did a sail cover and other canvass pieces for the sailboat.

All I've done for the tug so far is Vberth mattress pad and fitted sheet. Basically I just cut down king size stuff and sewed it back together. Pretty easy.

I have a Pfaff heavy duty machine with a walking foot. I think that walking foot is important if you're planning to go through heavy canvass or leather. I'm sure the Sailrite is an excellent walking foot machine, but there are others.

Good luck! It's a real PIA, but rewarding.

 

[Navigator's Son]

I bought fabric from Michaels/JoAnns.

Simple projects. Made slip covers for my V-Berth cushions. I can't see how you can keep those white/cream cushions clean and looking new otherwise.

I also made inside window curtains for the helm, stitched in velcro strips. I didn't like the idea of having to go outside the boat to put on / take down the forward window curtain. Can do all window coverings from inside.

Also made some window curtains with same stitched in velcro strips to cover the hatches. Not needed all the time, but every once in a while it's nice to be able to block the sun or possible peering eyes from taller boats rafted up to you.

 

[fishheadbarandgrill]

Coming from the sailing world and being lucky enough to have an Admiral who has worked in a marine canvas shop, we have done lots of boat sewing.... biminis, dodgers, hatch covers, sail covers, winch covers, etc. we are currently in the middle of re-upholstering our inside cushions and making hatch covers. After those are done, we’ll make new curtains. We have a sailrite sewing machine we purchased second hand. Sailrite has everything. But we were also able to find fabric we liked locally and for a much better price. It all depends on what you’re looking for. Sailrite videos are awesome.