Canvas Tent Repair

My father inlaw just gave me his old mil-surp canvas wall tent. The thing is at least 50 years old.

I layed it out in the yard to let it air out and noticed that this is a decent tear from the front corner, going up about 12 inches, close to the vertical seem. it also goes back about 4 inches. The rip is a typical L shape. Everything I've read this morning refers to patching it but I don't think patching is going to be the ticket here.

Any do's and don't I should be considering? I have carpet thread. Will that be strong enough?

Patching is definitely the way to go. Take it to an upholstery shop and have it fixed properly, They will have the correct thread size and material to reinforce the tear..

I have a machine, but you are a little too far away for me to be able to help.




Charlie

If you want to got the DIY route, get yourself a Speedy Stitcher and some canvas of the right thickness.

The speedy stitcher comes with waxed thread and some different style needle inserts.
I fix things like that with my machine, but the Speedy stitcher is a good tool to have for field repair or the DIY er.

Here is a clip of how to use one
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6OatKzjeD0

good canvas and a commercial sewing machine patch that right up , the patch bridges the tear and gets you fresh material to bite into that isn't right at the edge of the tear.

lots of stitching with that patch will tie it all together

If you are broke and can't afford to fix it right, try the DIY.

If you are just cheap, take it to the pro any way and get it done right.

i have used canvas scraps and 3M super 77 adhesive to repair house holes in an old wall tent, worked great. its like contact cement, goes on both surfaces.

That heavy military canvas takes stitching real well. Buy a repair kit.

Maybe find a Tent and Awning Co.

I called a sail place who referred me to a smaller sail place that can handle it. The next time I'm in town he'll stitch it up. Said would probably cost about $45.