Popup repair ideas needed. Fabric sides

[yshurtleff]

Hi;
Well here is the deal. I have a 85 coleman sequoia. First trip out this year
and during teardown we ripped a 1 foot gash in the fabric side where the bunk support bar sits:(. We got it home and sewed the gash up and when testing it tore again:confused:. Now I know that tells me that the fabric is getting old and needs replaced, just not in the money plans right now. Any ideas on how to fix this would be great. I have thought about an iron on patch to reanforce that corner. Please help or my camping is over just after it started.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Frustrated pup camper.
Jason

[waterdoctor]

Hi Jason. Sorry to hear about your misfortune. :mad:  Although I haven't personally experienced it, I have seen where others have gone the iron-on patch route.  From what I've seen, it would appear that you want to make sure to iron patches on both sides of the canvas. Also, from experience, make sure to round the patch corners to minimize the tendency to pull loose.
 
I hope this helps. Good luck.
 
Steve

[yshurtleff]

Thanks Steve;
I did the repair with twill over the weekend. I put a board down and ironed
one side then the other side about 3 inches past the end of the tears. Worked perfect when we tested it. Now I just have to seal it so it won't leak on us. Thank you for your suggestion. I appreciate it.

[waterdoctor]

Jason
I'm glad I was able to help you out.  Just keep an eye on those patches for the edges curling. I wouldn't think you would need to do any sealing since the patches should be pretty waterproof due to the glued back.  That being said, it sure won't do any harm. You might want to have some "stitch witchery" on hand. It's a very thin material that's used by placing it between 2 layers of material (like pants cuffs) and then you apply a hot iron to the top layer and the stitch witchery material sorta melts and glues the 2 layers together. I've done my own alterations to slacks that way and the stuff lasts thru alot of washings and dry cleanings, so I would think it should work as a quick fix if the patches start to come loose.
 
Just my 2 cents.
 
Now ...... get out there and do some campin'
 
Steve

[MotherNature]

I agree with you about the "stitch witchery"; I've always heard it referred to as "hem tape" but we are definitely talking about the same thing.  It's relatively inexpensive, pretty easy to use, and good for several washings (though I guess it would be trips when referring to a PUP?)  Not a permanent solution, but certainly probably good for a season or more, depending on how frequently it's used.  Great idea!

[ScouterMom]

Stitch witchery is available in solid pieces of fabric to be cut in ANY size or shape needed. you can buy a pre-cut 'package' which is usually about  18" by 36" or larger, or you can buy it off the bolt in ANY length & usual fabric width of about 45".  

the packages can be found in craft & fabric stores, and sometimes, the craft aisles of WalMart, Target, etc.

The bolt version is in fabric stores.

Another good item from the craft stores for an old camper is 'Fray Stop'  A liquid that goes on cut /torn edges of fabric and keeps the fabric from fraying more.  

If you have an area that the threads of fabric are pulling apart, wearing, but not yet torn - this stuff  can make it last a bit longer and re-inforce it.  If you have to 'sew' on over a frayed area, this will keep the new stitches from pulling the fabric apart. It can keep a tear from tearing further. It soaks into the fabric and makes it slightly stiff and leaves a clear, slightly flexible coating. Probably waterproof, as it is like plastic.