How to Make a 3-Bow Bimini Top
X-HT-300195
- Patterning Bimini Top – 1:17 min.
- Adding Seam Allowance to Pattern – 7:50 min.
- Transferring Pattern to Fabric & Cutting – 13:12 min.
- Patterning & Cutting Bow Pockets – 17:14 min.
- Making the Tuck Down Tail – 31:09 min.
- Making the Hang Down Tail – 33:55 min.
- Cutting Facing Strips – 34:48 min.
- Binding Sleeve Pockets – 36:03 min.
- Sewing Zipper to Intermediate Pocket – 39:14 min.
- Joining the Panels – 41:25 min.
- Prepping for Backstay Slit (optional) – 53:19 min.
- Basting Zippers to Pockets – 55:57 min.
- Sewing Zippers to Pockets – 1:00:31 min.
- Sewing Aft & Tail Sleeve – 1:04:20 min.
- Sewing Forward Tail & Sleeve – 1:13:30 min.
- Sewing Facing on Sides – 1:18:05 min.
- Attaching Pocket Zippers to Top – 1:22:05 min.
- Installing Backstay Slit (optional) – 1:38:57 min.
- Trimming Tails & Side – 1:57:04 min.
- Binding Bimini Perimeter – 2:01:50 min.
- Installing Strap Eyes – 1:57:04 min.
- Installing Bimini Top on Bows – 2:05:30 min.
- Materials List – 2:06:38 min.
- Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" #101017
- Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" #102400
- Chalk Pencil Cartridge Set #121669
- Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package #122177
- Precision Cutting Blade & Foot for Edge Hotknife #125495
- Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler #107040
- Scribe-All® Water Soluble White Marking Pencil #120681
- Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) #311602
- Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Industrial Sewing Table #120934
- Deluxe 5-1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide #103597
- Large Fabric/Leather Grip Clips #126365
- Sailrite® 1" Swing-Away Binder #100103
- Professional Rivet Installation Tool #103520
- Sailrite® Tempered Cutting Glass #121915
- Spring Clamp #50211
- SnapRite® Surface Mount Stud Die #103754
- Pres-N-Snap® Installation Tool #109011
- Marker, Straightedge, Tape Measure, Masking Tape, Spring Center Punch, Cutting Oil, Drill, 1/8" and 5/32" drill bit for hard metal
In this video tutorial, we will show you, in detail, patterning on the frame, installing a backstay slit, sewing zippered pockets and more. By the end of this project, you will have a custom, high-performance bimini top fit for your next boating adventure!
Before you can get started on the bimini top, you’ll require a bimini frame to pattern on. If you need a new bimini frame, Sailrite carries 2-, 3- and 4-bow frame kits in both stainless steel and aluminum. If you have a new Bimini Frame Kit and want to learn how to assemble it, be sure to first watch the “How to Build a 3-Bow Bimini Frame” video.
It is important to understand what size of bimini frame you are working with because the number of bows in the frame must match the number of bows in the Bimini Skin Kit. For example, a 3-bow bimini frame is only compatible with a 3-bow Bimini Skin Kit. The same is true for our 2- and 4-bow frame and top options. The 3-bow skin kit featured in this video is designed for a 3-bow bimini frame with a 106" maximum width and an 84" fore and aft spread.
Every Sailrite Bimini Skin Kit features zippered tubing sleeves for easy removal/storage, and the marine grade fabric ensures that you will have a professional-looking bimini durable enough to last season after season.
Choose from three outstanding fabric collections: Sattler® Marine Grade, Sattler® Yachtmaster and Sunbrella® Marine Grade. Not sure which of the three kits to choose from? Watch the video below to learn more about these fabric collections and which one is right for your boat:
A Bimini Frame Kit and Bimini Skin Kit together from Sailrite give you the great opportunity to customize everything from the material of the frame to the color of the canvas! Our frame kits come with all the hardware and supplies needed to assemble and install the bimini frame, while a paired skin kit includes the fabric and supplies needed to sew the bimini top.