[MR] Panther canvas tent repairs?

[David Chessler]

At risk of teaching grandma how to suck eggs, I've been repairing canvas for
many years. My repairs are not always (often) beautiful, but this same general
technique can be used for all kinds of repairs and reinforcements, including
thick canvas or leather patches to worn spots where the poles rub. I'll never
earn the order of the order of the Laurel for my sewing, but I am a member of
the Rhus toxicodendrum. 

A good strong needle. I use a number 5 cotton darner or a number 14 yarn
darner. You want strong thread. Button and Carpet thread is what I commonly
use, but there is a waxed nylon thread that I can get at the cordage dept of
hardware stores that works well, but may be too thick. Wax thoroughly with
good beeswax, though I've also used paraffin successfully. Regular thread
works, but you have to take a lot more stitches, and I'm assuming that this is
a problem for you.

I use a sailor's sewing palm, but you can use a good thimble, preferably one
with a raised lip around the end so the needle won't slip. But I have done the
job with a pair of slip-joint pliers, using the hole that allows you to slip
one side against the other to push on the end of the needle. Usually you can
pull the needle through by hand, but you can grasp it with the pliers.
Usually, grasp the needle "sideways" so it lies in the grooves or teeth of the
jaws of the pliers, so you don't scratch and roughen it. 

Now, why has it ripped? If the tape is tearing, replace it (or just sew
another piece to the same reinforcement on the tent). I use nylon twill tape
from the camping goods store or some larger sewing goods stores. If you use
nylon, cut it with a hot knife (a red-hot piece of metal) so it won't unravel.
If the problem is the reinforcement, then cut a piece of canvas somewhat
larger. You can sew it into place with the sewing machine, but if you've got a
small tear, or the stitches are pulling in their holes, maybe glue it into
place with "Pliobond" or "Barge Cement". (These remain flexible, but stain
brown. If you want something clear, there are seam glues sold in camping
stores. These are all thick, solvent-based glues, best spread with a small
stiff brush, such as a disposable soldering brush from the hardware store
(natural bristle in cheap metal ferrule.))

--

YIS

Davitt il Bigollo da Pisa
Erudit de l'Academie de Espee de Atlantia
Storvik (rapier)
Roxbury Mill (other things) 

------ Original Message ------
Received: Mon, 20 Apr 2009 06:03:24 PM EDT
From: Elspeth Payne <ebpayne at yahoo.com>
To: atlantia at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
Subject: [MR] Panther canvas tent repairs?

> My Norse wedge tent's stake loops are failing - two have ripped out and
more are going soon.  I am not equipped with a sewing machine this strong,
or canvas knowledge.  Can anyone advise me on the best thing to do to get
these repaired?  Camping season is acumin in!
> 
> Cheers,
> Sorcha P.
> Royal Brewer
> Baronial Archery Champion, Ponte Alto
> 
> 
>       
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