The 3 Most Popular Seams for Canvas

We get asked a lot about what type of seam is best for outdoor canvas projects. So let's talk seams! We are going to walk you through the three most popular types of seams, discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks of each, and show you how to make them. Each seam is analyzed based on strength, water resistance, UV exposure and fabric usage. Then, the choice is yours!

The Overlapping Seam

This is the simplest and easiest seam to make. We recommend this seam for projects that won't be subject to a lot of water and UV exposure.

• 90% fabric strength.
• Not as water resistant.
• Threads exposed to UV.
• Efficient fabric usage (equal to seam width).

The Semi Flat Felled Seam

This is a popular seam with professional canvasworkers and provides a clean, finished look on the top side only. You'll see this seam in some marine canvaswork pieces like dodgers, biminis, enclosures, awnings and more. In fact, this seam is a favorite of Sailrite Project Guy Eric's and he uses is it often in his canvaswork projects and tutorials.

• 95% fabric strength.
• Excellent water resistance.
• Only one stitch line exposed to UV.
• Average fabric usage (2 times seam width).

The Full Flat Felled Seam

This is the most intricate seam and leaves no raw edges exposed. The Full Flat Felled Seam gives a finished edge on both sides of the fabric. To increase this seam’s UV resistance, sew a row of stitches after placing the fabrics together about one seam width away from the top raw edge. This step is not shown in the video.

While this seam is more difficult than the first two, it definitely has its place in outdoor canvaswork construction and you should practice this stitch in case you ever have a need for its strength, UV and water resistance.

• 100% fabric strength.
• Nearly waterproof.
• Threads exposed to UV.
• Large fabric usage (3 times seam width).

What did you think of these seam tutorials? Do you agree that these are the three most popular seams for canvaswork? Which seam type is your favorite to use in your canvaswork projects? Share your opinions and sewing tips in the comments! We'd love to know your thoughts.

And if you have any sewing tips or techniques to share with your fellow DIYers, please leave your advice and knowledge in the comments section below.