Sewing Up Your Own Sunshield and Propeller Covers

[jls]

Anybody ever done this? Yep, I know how to use a sewing machine, just need
a pattern or two and maybe a little advice. Already have the foil and
mylar to sandwich in the middle as a UV barrier.

This is still the doityourself airplane forum, ain't it?
Veeduuuuuubbbberrrrrrrr! Veeeedubbbbberrrrrrr! Where you at, guy?

[john smith]

jls wrote:
> Anybody ever done this? Yep, I know how to use a sewing machine, just need
> a pattern or two and maybe a little advice. Already have the foil and
> mylar to sandwich in the middle as a UV barrier.
> This is still the doityourself airplane forum, ain't it?
> Veeduuuuuubbbberrrrrrrr! Veeeedubbbbberrrrrrr! Where you at, guy?


Use newspaper or light cardstock to create your own template.

[Morgans]

For the prop cover, take the material you are using, turn it good face to
the prop on both sides, and use a stapler to fasten it together so it goes
on and off good, then you will know where to run the sewing machine for the
real seam.
--
Jim in NC


"john smith" > wrote in message
...
> jls wrote:
> > Anybody ever done this? Yep, I know how to use a sewing machine, just
need
> > a pattern or two and maybe a little advice. Already have the foil and
> > mylar to sandwich in the middle as a UV barrier.
> > This is still the doityourself airplane forum, ain't it?
> > Veeduuuuuubbbberrrrrrrr! Veeeedubbbbberrrrrrr! Where you at, guy?
>
>
> Use newspaper or light cardstock to create your own template.
>


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[StellaStar]

>take the material you are using, turn it good face to
>the prop on both sides, and use a stapler to fasten it together so it goes
>on and off good, then you will know where to run the sewing machine for the
>real seam.

Yup. For clothes a half-inch seam is standard, leave half an inch or so of
fabric outside your seam so stitches don't rip out. Not much more or it'll be
too bulky when you turn it right-side out, and of course don't make it too snug
or the narrow end'll make it tough to pull on over the widest part of the prop.
If you'll really want to snug it up you could add a bit of velcro so you can
fold the open end over and "buckle"it snug closed.

The thickness of your material is another factor that will determine the bulk
of the item and especially its seams. Though quilted fabric is nice, it'll be
thick -- and something tough like denim could be hard to get the needle
through. If you sew it, the stitch holes will render it not entirely
waterproof.

A sewing machine's just another power tool. :-)

[jls]

"StellaStar" > wrote in message
...
> >take the material you are using, turn it good face to
> >the prop on both sides, and use a stapler to fasten it together so it
goes
> >on and off good, then you will know where to run the sewing machine for
the
> >real seam.
>
> Yup. For clothes a half-inch seam is standard, leave half an inch or so of
> fabric outside your seam so stitches don't rip out. Not much more or it'll
be
> too bulky when you turn it right-side out, and of course don't make it too
snug
> or the narrow end'll make it tough to pull on over the widest part of the
prop.
> If you'll really want to snug it up you could add a bit of velcro so you
can
> fold the open end over and "buckle"it snug closed.
>
> The thickness of your material is another factor that will determine the
bulk
> of the item and especially its seams. Though quilted fabric is nice, it'll
be
> thick -- and something tough like denim could be hard to get the needle
> through. If you sew it, the stitch holes will render it not entirely
> waterproof.
>
> A sewing machine's just another power tool. :-)

Ah, Stella, thanks to you and Jim for these helpful and articulate
descriptions.

[hlongworth]

" jls" > wrote in message >...
> Anybody ever done this? Yep, I know how to use a sewing machine, just need
> a pattern or two and maybe a little advice. Already have the foil and
> mylar to sandwich in the middle as a UV barrier.
>
jls,
An industrial sewing machine will make the job much easier. I
replaced the carpet areas on the interior panels of our Cardinal and
broke half a dozen needles on my old Ward machine. I also broke
another heavy needle in making the cowl plugs (with Sunbrella canvas).
To handle the next projects of making the cabin cover, tailcone cover,
insulated engine/prop/wing/stabilator covers (for next winter), I am
in the process of purchasing an industrial sewing machine (had
initially plan to get a new Sailrite but decided to go for a much
better used machine like Pfaff/Juki/Singer).
For fitting, I find some quick hand stitching to try out the pieces
before final sewing are well worth the effort.
Our plane came with some homemade sunshield with no finished edges.
Since they look pretty old and tired, I will replace them with
Reflectix. Will try carpet seam tape for the edges first. If it does
not work, will find some soft fabric like satin to make the edging.