Tents Tentmaking Part #1

[Straycat]

DH and I and a couple of friends are making canvas pavilions for medieval camping. We purchased a roll of heavy Sunforger canvas, cut out 12 wall panels and 12 roof panels, and began putting them together.

Photo #1: The fellows measure, iron and staple each seam. (Pins will break on canvas - use staples!)

Photo #2: The ladies sew each seam after it's stapled. (I'm on the left.)

Photo #3: The supervisor inspects our work at intervals.

 

[Straycat]

Tentmaking - continued

Photo #1: Every single panel - wall and roof - is joined by a flat-fell seam for strength and weatherproofing.

Photo #2: Removing the staples after a seam is sewn.

Photo #3: Ironing a fold into 100 ft. of trim tape to hem the walls and roof.

All of the panels have been joined into 2 wall pieces and 1 roof piece. Now I just have to finish hemming 1 wall, sew reinforcements into 72 grommets, and make the top cap. One more session of sewing should do it.

Further updates when we set up our sewing production line again in a couple of weeks.

 

[Green Co.]

Lots of work, but looking good! Can't wait to see it set up.

 

[Publius]

Waiting to see what this looks like when its done. Over the year I have wanted to do something like this but was told the equipment to sew canvas is expensive Also the tents on the market are always offered in some intense bright festive colors that scream here I am, instead of some dull brown or green that would blend in with the environment.

 

[Straycat]

Waiting to see what this looks like when its done. Over the year I have wanted to do something like this but was told the equipment to sew canvas is expensive Also the tents on the market are always offered in some intense bright festive colors that scream here I am, instead of some dull brown or green that would blend in with the environment.

You DO need to have a sewing machine that can handle multiple layers of canvas, such as a light industrial or one of the old heavy machines. This is why we're sewing in our friends' garage, they have both. My little Singer would have given up the ghost by now! Also, a saddle stapler is necessary to reach seams not right on the edge (available through office supply stores). That's about it. The sewing machine is really the only expensive item, and sometimes you can find a suitable one used.

 

[Freeholder]

Would an old treadle machine work? I've been told that they are sturdier than the modern electric machines.

Kathleen

 

[Straycat]

Would an old treadle machine work? I've been told that they are sturdier than the modern electric machines.

Kathleen

Quite likely. I've heard the same thing. The machine my friend is using is just an old Pfaff, not a special industrial, as far as I know.