Making a Bow cover and Top

[actionljackson]

I want to replace the snap on bow cover and bimini style top that snaps to my windshield.I already have sunbrella material.I don't know what tools are needed and where to start with this project.How do you get the buttons to line up just right with the ones on the boat?? How do you get it to be a nice tight fit.I guess it's just gonna be a lot of measuring twice cut once? Any hints,tips and pointers or shortcuts will be greatly appreciated.It can't be too difficult as I had never operated a sewing machine before I replaced all the interior so I am committed!
Thanks everyone,Leo (cant wait to get some pics on here to show you all what you have helped out with.I was taking step by step pictures and my brother lost my digital that had 250 plus pics stored in it.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

I'm pretty sure you'll have to match the snaps and install one for one in a criss cross pattern sequence. Maybe start in the center and work outward evenly for the winshield.

 

[actionljackson]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

That would make sense.Thanks eliminator.
Anyone else whose done this before have any ideas?????????
Please help I want to tackle this tomorrow.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

I'm not an upholstery expert but there may also be a unique way to sew the binder around the the perimeter to at least double the strength in the snap area, there may also be a special stitch and monofiliment UV protection thread, again I'm just quessing but make sure to dot your I's and cross your T's or your time and effort will be wasted.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

While I've not done a bow cover I have made boat covers like the one below, slip on seat covers, nose bras, locator covers, and other items. You need to use your old cover as a pattern if possible. To keep puckering to a minimum, sew a 1-inch wide webbing into the hem of the cover. This gives the snaps something firm to pull against and will greatly extend the life of the cover. When fitting the snaps - find the worst phillips screw driver you have. Then grind the tip to a very sharp point as this tool will be used as an awl. As was mentioned, start in the middle (or as close to it as you can). Use the awl to pierce the cover directly over the first snap. Attach the snap and pop it onto the receiver. Move the bow and pull the cover tight. Again, use the awl to locate the receiver and poke the hole. Repeat the process by alternating side to side. And yes -- measure two or three times, allow for hems, and use good quality thread. Treat the seams with tent waterproofing to. Since the hems will be a bit thicker with the webbing than just folding the edges over, you may need to have long shank snaps.

 

[actionljackson]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

Thankyou for the tips.Question for you silvertip.When you say sew a 1 inch hem is this where the buttons will poke through? Am I to make this with sewing on some extra fabric of what I have or should it be something special?
Thanks,Leo

 

[cr2k]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

I am not an upholsterer either but I watched one once (while staying at a Holiday Inn express). He would sew the cover together oversize and pull it tight over the area and use big t-pins to pin it to the rubber seam around the boat to hold it tight. Then he could mark it usually the snaps with chalk and any darts needed. Then cut and sew the seams and darts and install the snaps.

Makes for a tight fitting custom cover.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

You use these.

http://www.sailrite.com/Quick-Fit-Pin-Socket-Snap-Positioning-System
Yes they are expensive. The right tool for the job!

You make the raw cover bigger than you need and you push the fabric over these pins. Once you do this, mark all the holes and then trim the fabric. What I do next is add webbing to the edge along with a binding to cover the raw cut edge of the fabric.

Don't just use a hem. It's just not strong enough...you really do need the webbing. That is how the pros do it.

Here is a sample I made. I used 1" wide webbing and used Sunbrella with a Sunbrella double fold binding. I use a binding tool on my machine that automatically folds the binding as I sew.

here is one cover I did for my boat.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

VERY cool bruce.... I'll be ordering a set

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

It also helps to have one of these:

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

VERY cool bruce.... I'll be ordering a set

I can't remember where I bought mine but you definitely need the plastic keepers that go on top too.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

Not as tough as yours but.......

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

The Consew is basically a Singer. Your looks like an older model but without reverse.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

it is a commercial sewing machine instead of an upholstery machine .... worst thing about it is it is REALLY FAST.... it's pretty old and I don't sew but since I have maintained my mom's sewing, knitting, quilting, and whatever else machines for 20 years she hooks me up... I gotta say tho I think when I build my next shop there may be a canvas room in it... gobs of money there

 

[actionljackson]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

Wow that looks fantastic. I hope mine comes out half as nice.Thankyou so much thats great info and I'm excited to give this a try.If the bow cover comes out ok I may go for a custom cover like yours.
Where does one buy one of those old machines? Ebay I suppose? I don't think my machine could handle that.Although it did sew through 4 pieces of vinyl.Can I just fold the material underneath and sew to create that binding? Those buttons are pricey but would seem to be worth the cost I will be ordering some.Are the stainless?

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Making a Bow cover and Top

Two points here: 1) It certainly helps to have a commercial machine to handle the heavy fabric. The current crop of plastic geared home-style sewing machines won't get the job done especially if you are using webbing or binding. 2) Like any job there is more than one way to skin a cat or finish an edge on a cover. You can fold the webbing into a one inch hem and then double stitch it. The snaps will go between the two rows of stitches. To hold everything together while sewing you can use pins (perpendicular to the direction of travel). The machine will stitch right over them. If you don't understand some of this, go to a store that sells boat covers, tents, tarps or other similar items. Look at the seams and how panels are joined and edges are finished.

The way to get a good fit is to careful measuring and allowing for any seams and hem or binding. Finish a straight edge rather than trying to get a perfect curve for example on the bow. Once you have the straight side done (windshield for example) pull the cover taught, but not overly stretched to locate the center point at the bow. Then use tape to pull the sides taught. When satisfied with the look, mark the fabric, again making sure you allow for the hem/binding. Make the cuts and finish the edges. The technique you use depends to a certain extent on the shape of what you are trying to cover. Look long and hard at the surfaces before you even start this project. Fabric is expensive and one major screw up can defeat the purpose of doing this yourself.