Canvas query

[Man of Tanith]

Evening all
i have wombled an old two man canvas tent that i have plans to chop up and make myself a bedroll out of the bits.
is this something i can do using a needle and thread or should i get hold of an old sewing machine? or perhaps completely abandon the idea?
advice please?

 

[Mesquite]

You can do it by hand Sam but it'll take you some time

If you have access to a sewing machine then you'll get a neater job

 

[Man of Tanith]

hmmm time v neatness

 

[Richie'66]

Alot of canvas is hard to sew when you start getting into 4 layers . I'd get a loan of a machine.

 

[John Fenna]

Machine!
Unless you are going to live forever - hand sewing takes AGES!

 

[JohnC]

Get a hand cranked singer, with a denim needle and upholstery thread...

 

[launditch1]

I have an old 1952 British army bedroll..i can send you some pics or measurements if it comes to that.
I think i'd lose the will to live doing that much hand sewing!

 

[bilmo-p5]

Get a hand operated machine and get the hang of using it, but don't be put off sewing by hand. It is obviously not as quick as machine sewing but given a good palm, suitably sized needle and thread, a sail hook/3rd hand and a bit of practise you can crack on rather more quickly than some folk would have you believe. Neatly too.

 

[Kerne]

Get a hand cranked singer, with a denim needle and upholstery thread...

Just bought an old Singer an(electric) and it works a treat. Sails through canvas and it's almost as old as I am. (and I ain't young!)

 

[Man of Tanith]

another question
am i right in assuming i need some hardier thread than the standard cotton i would use for normal sewing purposes?
launditch pics would be good if you dont mind?

 

[JohnC]

I was advised that if I could easily snap the thread by hand it wasnt ok. I use upholstery thread.

 

[John Fenna]

For machine work I tend to us Drima polyester - I cannot easily snap it bare handed

 

[Man of Tanith]

thanks folks
well the weather has calmed down now so i might investigate how much i have to play with as it was dropped off this morning.
yay projects

 

[launditch1]

Heres the photos of my 55 dated bedroll.Its 66in long and 30 in wide.It has a blanket material lining and eyelets to tie it closed.If you want some measurements let me know.

I hope the photos give you an idea.