What Do I Need to Start Doing Canvaswork?
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To get started in canvaswork, tool quality and selection are important. The right tools and supplies will make all the difference in the success of your project. For someone wanting to get into this craft — or even a first-time sewer — this list of essential tools and supplies will help you navigate the world of canvaswork and get excited about starting this new and rewarding sewing venture.
13 Beginner Canvaswork Tools & Supplies
Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LS, LSZ or Fabricator® Sewing Machine
For canvaswork, you can’t go wrong with our Ultrafeed and Fabricator Sewing Machines. Built for power, performance and reliability, each machine features Sailrite’s® patented technology and durable all-metal components.
The Fabricator is a full-size industrial straight-stitch machine, perfect for dedicated workstations. The Ultrafeed, on the other hand, is portable — ideal for moving between rooms, taking on the road or even sewing on your boat. For straight-stitch canvaswork, the Ultrafeed LS is a great choice. But if you also sew sails and need zigzag capability, the Ultrafeed LSZ is the best fit.
Shop the Ultrafeed Sewing Machines
Shop the Fabricator Sewing Machine
Sailrite® Edge Hotknife or Edge Cordless Hotknife
A hotknife is a must-have for canvaswork, sealing synthetic fabric, webbing and rope to prevent fraying. This ensures clean, professional hems on projects like biminis, dodgers and awnings.
We offer two versions of the Edge Hotknife: corded and cordless. The corded model is perfect for workrooms, while the cordless, battery-powered version provides mobility for outdoor and on-the-boat projects. Both heat up in seconds for smooth, precise cuts every time.
Sailrite® Tempered Cutting Glass
Pair your hotknife with our Tempered Cutting Glass for optimal and convenient cutting. This sturdy, 1/4"-thick piece of tempered glass protects your work surface from damage when using a hotknife. It is manufactured to be physically and thermally stronger than normal glass. It's also safer than normal glass as it is designed to crumble into chunks instead of jagged shards should it break. The 30" x 11" size provides a large surface for making long, precise cuts.
Sailrite® Drill Hole Cutter Set
This hole cutting set makes it quick and easy to cut holes for grommets, snaps and more. It includes seven cutters (1/8" to 5/8") and the Sailrite® Cutting Block & Die Holder, featuring both a hard plastic and rubber pad for versatile cutting. A durable carrying case keeps everything organized, perfect for on-the-go projects. Designed for use with a 3/8" or larger drill chuck (drill not included).
Sailrite® SnapRite® System or Pres-N-Snap® Installation Tool
Every canvasworker needs a reliable snap fastener tool. The SnapRite System, exclusive to Sailrite, includes a heavy-duty rivet gun and four color-coded dies for quick, precise installation of buttons, sockets, studs, and eyelets.
For a one-handed operation, the Pres-N-Snap Tool installs the same fasteners plus #1 plain washer grommets. It comes with six dies, with additional dies sold separately.
Easy Fit Kit Snap Positioning System
The Easy Fit Kit is an incredibly helpful positioning system for use on boat covers, tonneau covers, enclosures, biminis, dodgers and side curtains. After you install the stud portion of a snap fastener on your boat, use the components in the Easy Fit Kit to align the socket portion of the snap fastener for a great fitting cover without sagging or loose fabric between snaps. And the best part is, this kit can be used over and over — all the components are reusable!
Sailrite® 1" Swing-Away Binder
Sewing binding onto fabric edges is a common way to finish awnings, dodgers, biminis and more for great-looking results. A 1" binder is a must-have accessory for your canvaswork toolbox. This binder attachment's swing-away design automatically guides and folds binding tape into place over the edge of the fabric. The swing bracket swings out of the way when you're done sewing the binding so you can continue working on your project without having to remove the binder.
Deluxe 5 1/2" Magnetic Sewing Guide
This magnetic sewing guide is a lifesaver for keeping your stitches, seams and hems perfectly straight. Compare this sewing guide to a fence on a table saw — it provides an extra-long surface to push a fabric edge against while sewing. The super-strong magnets keep the guide firmly in place while sewing even heavy and thick assemblies. This easy-to-use seaming and hemming guide is made exclusively for Sailrite.
Soapstone Pencil
A marking tool is a must-have for canvaswork. The Soapstone Pencil is perfect for tracing, measuring, and marking fabric. It’s easy to see on dark colors and wipes away with water. The clear barrel lets you track usage, and it sharpens like a regular pencil.
Fabric Scissors
A toolbox basic, every DIYer should have a pair of sharp, high-quality scissors. Fabric scissors or shears should only be used for cutting fabric — never use them for paper, cardboard or plastic as anything except fabric will ruin and dull the blades. We carry the industry's best brands: Gingher® and Fiskars®.
Grommet Installation Tools
Grommets are essential in canvaswork for tarps, awnings, boat covers and more. We offer everything you need for installation, including die sets, hole cutters, cutting blocks, and mallets. Choose from spur, plain washer, vent grommets and large eyelets, plus high-quality tools to get the job done right.
Shop Grommet Installation Tools
Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler
Made exclusively for Sailrite, this multiuse patterning tool is not your standard ruler! The holes located every 1/4" allow you to pattern perfect circles on your canvas with a set radius. You can also set the lipped metal edge against the fabric's edge to scribe a line a set distance from the edge of your fabric. This is very useful for quickly drawing hem or fold lines from the edge of the fabric without having to repeatedly measure and mark lines.
Clear Acrylic Ruler
The Clear Acrylic Ruler measures 6" x 24" and includes measurements along all four sides. This ruler is great for canvaswork measuring and patterning. You can easily mark strips for binding, trim pieces, piping and more. The ruler also features clearly marked lines for cutting 30-, 45- and 60-degree angles.
Other Canvaswork Supplies
In addition to tools, you’ll need a variety of other materials to craft your canvas creations. Fabric, binding, specific hardware, metal frames and clear vinyl window material are all materials that should be purchased on a project-by-project basis. There are several materials, however, that we consider staples for canvaswork that are worth keeping stocked and ready for your next project.
Materials to Keep on Hand:
- Outdoor and indoor thread
- Tear-Aid® Fabric Repair Kit Type A
- Seamstick Basting Tape for Canvas
- Snap fastener components
- Patterning material
- #2 grommets in various finishes
- 1" polyester webbing (for sew-on tabs and reinforcement)
Get everything you need to start sewing canvas projects at Sailrite! Once you're stocked up, explore our free DIY videos, organized by category for easy browsing. New to sewing? Check out our "Learning to Sew" series and start stitching like a pro!
