If your needles and thread aren’t thick enough, then your stitches won’t hold in the thick material.
If you’re working with a large canvas project, secure the material into a bench hook. If you’re working with a small canvas project, pin or clip the edges together ahead of time.
Keep your thread of choice nearby as you work.
One end of the thread will be attached to the awl, while the other will be attached to the canvas. Repeat the process along your hem until you’ve finished sewing your canvas.
Aim to use threads made out of polyester, as these are more durable in the long run. Since canvas is a thick material, you need to use a thick thread to sew it.
If you can’t find anything with a “denim needle” label, look for needles that are sizes 90/16 or 100/16. A leather needle will also work for sewing through canvas. [5] X Expert Source Alessio IadiciccoApparel Manufacturing Specialist Expert Interview. 20 May 2021. Use a straight stitch setting, with a length of around 3. 0 to 3. 5.
If you’re installing a new sewing foot for the first time, make sure to follow the directions on the foot’s packaging.
Overlapping seams are one of the most simplistic, basic stitching styles available.
Soapstone pens will wear off with water, so the marks won’t be permanent on your canvas. Choose a lighter soapstone pen if you’re working with dark-colored canvas. If you’re working with lighter canvas, use a darker pen.
Tape allows you to stitch more seamlessly without needing to pull out pins. For instance, if your seam allowance is 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm), use basting tape that’s 0. 5 in (1. 3 cm) wide. Be sure to peel off the backing tape before you start sewing, so both pieces of fabric can stick together.
The basting tape provides a more durable hold for your simple overlapping seam. Don’t press on the canvas until both sides are lined up.
You’ll be doing this twice, so don’t stitch in the center of the seam allowance area. If you’re comfortable with a sewing machine, feel free to feed the canvas through the machine more quickly.
The finished overlapping seam looks like 2 parallel lines of stitches next to one another.
Remove the canvas from the sewing machine once you’ve finished stitching these seams.
Most sewing machines have built-in thread cutters. Feel free to use this device to get rid of your extra thread.
If you aren’t experienced with a sewing machine, this seam might be tricky. This seam is commonly used on the sides of jeans.
Use multiple dashes to mark your seam allowance, so you can keep track of the guidelines later on.
Make sure to pin the bottom and top edges of the canvas, as this will help the material stay in position. If you don’t want to use pins, try using binding clips instead. [19] X Research source
If you have a lot of excess thread, trim it away with a pair of scissors or the built-in thread cutter on the machine.
This is considered the backside of your project. Pressing the fabric over the seam helps the overlapped seam to appear folded in your finished project.
Both sides of the canvas should be splayed out now, with both pieces of material resembling an open book.
You should see 1 parallel line of stitches along the edge of the seam.
If you aren’t experienced with a sewing machine, feel free to go as slowly as you need. The seam should look like a folded portion of fabric running down the center of the canvas pieces.
If you’d prefer, use the thread cutter attached to your sewing machine instead.
