Sunforger Canvas Source

[Earl Dowdle]

Originally Posted by Bob Rowlands

{Snip} You also need to learn how to sew a lap fell seam. Plenty youtube vids on that. Good luck.

Bob, what type of lap felled seam to you recommend? Semi or Full?

[Bob Rowlands]

I made full lap fell seams. Never having made any other seam type I can't speak to how good they are. Imma guess 60s era Apollo space suits had full lap fell seams. lol

[Earl Dowdle]

Thanks- I spoke to my Mom-in-law, she said there are three types of lap felled seams
1) plain overlap with stitching near each edge-not very water proof.
2) Semi lap fell where the edges are folded over and then overlapped and stitched along each edge- more water proof than the over lap.
3) Full lap fell where the edges are folded over and then folded over again and then stitched along each edge-very water proof.

The only drawback to the semi lap felled and the full lap felled seam is the total amount of material used. For example if you wanted a 1/2 inch seam it would take 1 inch of material for the semi lap felled seam. For a full lap felled seam it would take 1 1/2 inches of material.

Mom used to make portable duck hunting blinds out of treated canvas and she opted to use the full lap felled seam.

[Bob Rowlands]

I do #3 above. It does in fact eat 1.5" of mid weight fabric. In real heavy canvas with a beginners sewing skills, 2". I could care less though I just want a bombproof seam and full lap fell is it.