How to sew a double seam

[manzana]

I am double stitching my new tent for increased strength. I am wondering if the 2nd stitch should be right on top of the first one? Or should I allow some space between them? I am thinking that putting one seam on top of the other might be weakening the fabric but I have been wrong before on this subject! BTW, my new tent has a stained glass window. Plexiglass, actually.

thanks!

APPLE in Austin

[Texas Dreamer]

Go to the nearest bargain/half price bookstore, look in the hobbies-crafts aisle, get any book (preferably old) on sewing or needlework, and look up "french seams." The explanation of how to do this always works better with an illustration. Any of the old books from "the perfect housewife era" will have this info in an easy to understand format.

[cupcake]

i wouldn't use a "french seam" on a tent. getting an old sewing book is a good idea. vogue is a good guide, as is the old reader's digest book. look at how tents are constructed -- i think you're looking to do a lapped seam. also, thru-hiker.com has lots of sewing info and links, and they have very active forums about sewing your own gear. good luck. d

[art to linda]

you may want to try what I call a felled (sp.?)seam, like the inner seam of a jean pants leg....strong and stops any streching(which can break stiching) or fraying.

[stieg]

A topstitched French seam works really well a ridgeline of a tarp or tent. Here's some instructions on how to sew it (http://www.thru-hiker.com/anyboard/forum1/posts/4690.html).

[VAMTNHIKER]

A topstitched French seam works really well a ridgeline of a tarp or tent. Here's some instructions on how to sew it (http://www.thru-hiker.com/anyboard/forum1/posts/4690.html).
Just an off comment.... Thank you to everyone who posts links... I do a quick capture for future use... has helped many times!

Thanks!!!:clap

[manzana]

Many thanks for the great ideas. The article with pictures is the best I have seen.

APPLE in AUSTIN

[Rain Man]

A topstitched French seam works really well a ridgeline of a tarp or tent. Here's some instructions on how to sew it (http://www.thru-hiker.com/anyboard/forum1/posts/4690.html).

I'm resurrecting this old old thread (pun intended!) because this link is bad.

Anyone know of a good link to this old article? Or, a new link to a new article on the topic?

Thanks in advance!

Rain:sunMan

.

[papa john]

I'm resurrecting this old old thread (pun intended!) because this link is bad.

Anyone know of a good link to this old article? Or, a new link to a new article on the topic?

Thanks in advance!

Rain:sunMan

.

Not sure if this is the same article:

http://thru-hiker.com/projects/french_seams.php

Here is the one for felled seams:

http://thru-hiker.com/projects/basic_seams.php

[Snowleopard]

For a tarp or tent, probably use a felled seam as in the PapaJohn's thru-hiker link.
Here's another good site for info on sewing outdoor gear:
http://www.specialtyoutdoors.com/tips/silnylon.asp
Also, here's a nice video by Brawny03 on making silnylon stuff sacks: http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=brawny03#p/u/4/U4xugh_Kvcw

[Rain Man]

THANKS for the updated links and other new links. All looks like good stuff.

Rain:sunMan

.