The Upholstery Forum

Hey guys I was wondering what actual material is good to use to reinforce a French seam? I heard John on a video uses a canvas material for strength. I couldn’t find that material when I ordered some stuff from Albright the other day. I ended up ordering 10oz 40” wide burlap instead. Will this work? Or do I need the canvas material? If so where can I get it from?

Others will obviously be more knowledgable than me but I bought some muslim to use. It seems to me, it would create less bulk than the burlap. I had also considered cutting strips from some listing material I have.

I will too be interested in what others are using.

John

I use a material specific for this a fabric black tape. I will take a picture and post.

Depending on the area I’m using it and how visible it may be behind the material, I use the the same material as I’m sewing. I do this Incase the French seam get pulled to tight or for some reason the backer is visible through the stitch. Doesn’t stick out or be noticed. Otherwise I’ve used a denim material. Burlap is too think and the weave too loose I’d say

@Cody, very good advice on this topic.

Yeah some of my materials came in today, I see what you guys were saying about the burlap not being a good option. I guess I will just use the same material I’m sewing up. I was looking more for a material for practicing really not on paid jobs.

For me personally, I like to use the thinnest material I can that has enough strength. There is more bulk than you would like to start with at the seam. I hate to add more. Many vinyls are pretty heavy and at minimum you are going to have three layers along the seam if that is what you choose to back it with.

John

Yeah burlap is messy and wont work well for that. I dont even like having burlap in my shop.
You can use any type of woven canvas type material. Muslin is probably the cheapest option to order. I usually use sunbrella canvas because I always have tons of scraps around from past jobs.

John wrote: ↑Tue Nov 26, 2019 11:55 pm Yeah burlap is messy and wont work well for that. I dont even like having burlap in my shop.
You can use any type of woven canvas type material. Muslin is probably the cheapest option to order. I usually use sunbrella canvas because I always have tons of scraps around from past jobs.

Yeah I know what you mean, very messy. Oh well, glad I only got 2 yards and it only cost $4.00 I guess when I order from Albright again, I will see if they have muslin. Thanks