Learning To Sew With Marine-Grade Fabric
The piping I made (gray fabric) sewn onto a fabric sample (lt. blue)
I can’t quite recall the specific terms or phrases I searched for when I stumbled upon the Sailrite website for the very first time. It was likely a captivating video I encountered on YouTube that sparked my curiosity and prompted me to explore the site further. As a “former” fiber artist with a history of creativity, browsing through the extensive range of products on the Sailrite site reignited my enthusiasm and excitement about creating again! After many weeks of searching, contemplating, and dreaming, I finally took the plunge and bought some thread along with various fabric samples to test whether my Brother sewing machine, model #CE5500PRW, could handle sewing the thicker, more durable marine-grade fabric.
Piping sewn onto a fabric sample
Although I encountered a few hiccups along the way, I managed to complete a series of sewing samples after carefully tensioning and reacquainting myself with the machine. The fabric turned out to be much easier to handle and not nearly as hard and heavy as I had imagined. Everything sewed together beautifully after thoroughly re-reading the machine's manual, determining the correct size needles and thread, and making the necessary tensioning adjustments.
I even made some piping and sewed it onto a fabric sample. This ability comes in handy for making cushions with a professional finish.
Completed cushions
I carefully measured and cut the fabric for my first pair of cushions. For the piping, I cut long strips on the bias (cutting diagonally across the fabric). Using the piping, I sewed it into the seams. I sewed slowly and steadily so the lines would be smooth and straight. I felt a sense of accomplishment and relief when I was done. But then, I wasn’t done. All of this is done inside out. I still had to turn it all right side out (through a hole you leave on one side of the cushion) and then shove the pillow insert inside. Then you sew that hole up… by hand. When I finished the last handsewn seam, I couldn’t help but admire my first finished cushions that will have a home on Mary Waters.
