Patio swing replacement

 

I'd use either Marine Grade (solids) or Awning Grade (stripes) Sunbrella.  Both are 9.5 oz and will weather well.

 

It is easier to fold the edges twice ( about 1") and sew them down as opposed to binding them.  However, this technique will not work around curves.  If that is the case, you must bind the edges.

 

Profilen thread is a good choice, but because you are not in the tropics, ordinary bonded, UV stabilized V-92 or  V-69 (thinner) will still give at least five or six years of service before you need to restitch.

 

A home machine will typically handle two or three layers of Sunbrella with V-69 thread and an 18 gauge needle (20214).  If your construction requires more layers, or if you have to bind the edges, go to a Sailrite machine.  You will be using V-92 thread and a 20 gauge 17x135 needle (7010).

 

I hope that this helps.

 

Best regards,

Dan Smith

Annapolis Sailrite Store Manager

 

If you use the above technique, you will be sewing through three layers and possibly the basting tape.  If you bind the edges, you will be sewing through five layers.

 

You may use a 16 gauge or larger needle with Profilen thread.  This stuff does not sew like normal thread.  Becaue it is cut from a flat sheet and not spun like normall thread, you will do well to pull it off the side of the cone, toilet paper style as opposed to pulling it off the top.  A larger needle may allow occasional kinks in the thread (caused by pulling it of the cone improperly) to pass through instead of skipping stitches.

 

The only other thing that you might need is a thread stand (838100) for normal thread or a jury rigged "toilet paper dispenser" for the profilen.

 

 

By all means, buy all fabric the same width and buy it all at once.  Glen Raven (Sunbrella) prides itself in the consistency of dye lots, buy minor differences are possible.

 

The best way to keep an edge from fraying is to either cut it with a hot knife or to heat seal (cauterize) it with asoldering iron immediately after cutting.

 

-Can I assume that the salvege edge of the sunbrella will not unravel?  And that the cut edges of the fabric (from sailrite) are cut with an electric knife and won't unravel?

 

-Previously you talked about scoring the fabric prior to folding to make a finished edge.  Do you score and fold in?  Or score and fold out?  I'm assuming the score is folded inside.

 

-The previous "cushion" of the swing had only poly batting inside of it.  Is there any special type of poly batting to be used? Or is plastic just plastic (as long as it's not exposed to UV)?

 

Thanks and wish me luck.

 

Polyester batting is what you want. It is very water resistant.

 

Thanks, Matt

Sailrite