Sewing Nylon, etc Light Tent Materials

[greentruck]

Since there's a thread on sewing canvas and I didn't have much luck searching for sewing that or lighter tent materials...

Sewing most of the lighter tent materials seems like it could be done with the typical home sewing machine. Is that the case?

What advice does anyone have for sewing nylon or other materials typically used in tents?

I want to modify a tailgate tent to better accommodate modifications I've made to our truck. Pretty simple stuff, mostly straight lines. I'm sure I can figure this out, as I saw my mom sew many times and I do have access to a home sewing machine.

I just want to be sure I can make that work before ordering material to be cut. Otherwise, may have to give the job to the local awning shop.

 

[SWCruiser]

sewing

yes you can sew light weight nylon materials but if you want to sew stuff such as sil nylon its very slippery... try using some seam tape.. basically a dbl stick tape to prevent slippage. good luck.. its a lot of fun if you like making gear.

 

[greentruck]

Christopher,
Thanks for the tips. Exactly what I needed to know. I'll try and scare up some seam tape.

Then if this turns out to be a success, maybe I'll graduate to something complex enough to read a book

 

[sirenmoses]

^ rorw. You asked, and didn't explain yourself well (watched yr mom sew?). Meerroww, need some milk?


just cuz Smokejumpers sew their own stuff doesn't mean you should.

I'd use a local repair person myself. Ton's of experience learning on other peoples gear tends to make the repairs turn out well. Not very spendy either.

 

[B-RAD]

yes, you can use a regular sewing machine for rip-stop nylon or similar material very easily. A couple of hints to help you out, once you cut your pattern or material, use a candle to lightly melt the edges before sewing. This will help reduce the potential of it fraying. Next, make sure you double over your seams, to hide the cut edges within the seam itself, and do not have them exposed, another trick to preven the seams from fraying and ripping apart. It will make a better, stronger seam. Thirdly, velcro is great for quick attachments for your tent and even to your rig.