Introduction to Canvas Work

Project design, tools of the trade, industrial machine stitching, materials, and lots more

Tuition: $750

Materials: $68

Note: This course takes place at the Center Harbor Sail Loft in Brooklin.

Ann has been running her very successful canvaswork business out of the family barn in Brooklin, Maine, for close to 20 years. Her reputation as an exceptional canvasworker (specializing in custom interior and exterior boat cushions) leads many of the area boatyards and boatowners to her doorstep each year with orders in hand. We are fortunate to be able to offer students the chance to work alongside Annto learn the basics of this valuable skill.

Canvaswork is one of those traditional crafts that has been part of the boat owner’s world for centuries. Sails, protective covers, seabags, even clothes were once made out of canvas by a ship’s bosun. These days, the availability of new synthetic fibers has drastically changed the landscape for those producing marine canvaswork, though many techniques remain the same. Students in this course will learn the ins and outs of working with a wide range of these materials that are on the market today.

Ann will begin the week with an introduction to all the various fabrics and foams available to the canvasworker. We’ll then look at the tools of the trade, and students will learn to use the industrial sewing machines, as well as how to install grommets, zippers, and other fasteners. Most canvaswork projects involve simple sewing techniques that are easy to master with plenty of practice, even if you’ve never done any sewing before. The course will cover how to make various styles of boat cushions ranging from simple cockpit cushions to beveled V-berth cushions, and as time permits, students will learn to make other useful canvas projects, such as covers, bags, tool rolls, etc.  Everyone will discover the step-by-step procedures in designing a project, choosing materials, and proper cutting and assembling to produce quality work that you will take pride in.

There is much satisfaction to be achieved from producing your own canvaswork, not to mention the financial savings involved. After this week in the loft with Ann, you’ll head home with confidence, a new awareness in working with fabrics, a completed project or two, and a seabag full of new skills.