The Upholstery Forum

Hello All!
I'm new here. Just did the Apprentice course. Fab course!
I'm a self-taught sewing person since high school but still have horrible techniques. I have a 40 yr old Kenmore (all steel not plastic) and an LSZ-1 Sailrite with servo motor. I had wanted a consew but it was not in budget at the time. I don't forsee this being a business, we have several boats. I have been making cushions etc for our sailboat and hub wants me to re-do vinyl in our Yamaha power boat. Me, not so much. Seems SO complex!

That all said, I am getting conflicting answers from other friends who I know about using Ultraleather. Do I use seam allowance since it does have a 3-4 way stretch or do I use standard 3/8 or 1/2 inch? I'm terrified to begin a salon cushion project ($65/yard!!) the other parts of the cabins are going to be Morbern vinyl (which I used for cockpit earlier this yr). Thanks in advance! :)
Willow

I would use the 1/2 seam, the Ultraleather. I do not think I would use this material in any boat.

Oh intersting. I'm on a number of sailboat/power boat sewing forums and many people use them on boats-it's highly mold/mildew resistant, easy to keep clean and pet friendly. I'm only using it in the salon settees bc it's too $$$ for the rest of the boat

@John, good topic here not a product I would be using but your opinion would be most appreciated.

If it is ok for me to add my 2 cents. I used Ultraleather in my personal '36 Ford roadster. I loved the way it felt and I loved the way it sewed. With that said, it has worn terribly. I would not pay $15 a yard for any more of it. I can't afford, nor do I have the time to do a job that no longer looks good after a couple of years.

John Long

@John Long , you know all to well and the UV rating and backing of this material is not my first choice for marine.

@BigRig It really is a shame. I loved working with it.

John Long

@John Long , you would love a fabric I recently worked with on two jobs it is almost like ultraleather and a fraction of the price.

Weellll....@BigRig, we are all waiting! :-))))))

@John Long , I will find the distributor out of illinois and can send a bit to you a swatch.

Do you remember the name of the mfr. @BigRig

John Long

@John Long , Vision fabrics Challenger

I agree with @John Long. It does not hold up well especially for the high price. You can find quality marine vinyl for much cheaper.

This conversation is interesting as there are a number of liveaboards that use this fabric and it's lasted very well in the caribbean (heat) with kids and dogs....can you tell me this other fabric you mentioned that's as soft? Also have you ever used Ever Soft vinyl? I hadn't seen this one until now. Thanks

@wsmart, they may have lasted long with cracks and peels in it. The backing wont allow it to pull apart. I see it all the time in seating. If they are using it with success then it is a great material to use for the climate and application. How many years are we talking here for the material life?

Not sure if my reply showed up....10-15 yrs I will see if I can find her pic-living on a Cat in Caribbean

That is historic! Awesome for Ultraleather!