How to DIY the Sheet Bag & Winch Cover Kit

X-HT-300747

Organizing and protecting the lines and winches on your sailboat has never been easier! The Sailrite® Sheet Bag & Winch Cover Kit ensures that you get the most out of your winches and sheets by keeping them protected when not in use. This easy-to-sew kit comes with a color-coded pattern and all the materials you need for DIY winch covers and sheet bags. Once you've selected your kit, watch this video for a step-by-step tutorial on making these simple boat must-haves. Let's get started!

Video Chapters:

SHEET BAG:

Patterning Canvas Fabric – 0:45 min.
Creating Facing – 3:21 min.
Patterning Mesh Fabric – 10:55 min.
Sewing Mesh Bag – 12:31 min.
Basting Facing Top to Bag – 18:56 min.
Installing Hard Action Snaps – 23:50 min.
Folding Facing & Sewing – 25:27 min.
Installing Grommets – 30:48 min.
Lacing SuperShok™ Bungee Cord – 32:26 min.
Attaching YKK® SNAD® Fasteners – 35:17 min.

WINCH COVER:

Measuring Winch – 39:24 min.
Modifying Pattern for Winch Size – 39:52 min.
Hemming Body & Sleeve for Choker – 43:21 min.
Joining Choker to Body – 46:15 min.
Sewing Circular Top – 49:19 min.
Tensioning Shock Cord – 52:53 min.
How to Install on Winch – 54:56 min.

Materials List:

Sailrite® Sheet Bag & Winch Cover Pattern – #126329
Sattler® Marine Grade 60" Fabric – color of choice
#0 Spur Grommet 1/4" (Nickel-Plated Brass) – #26314
Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Canvas (36 yds.) – #122064
Tex 90 (V-92) UV Bonded Polyester Thread – color of choice
Sail Batten Pultruded Material 1" – #125104
Phifertex® Standard Vinyl Mesh White 54" Fabric – #393111
DOT® Snap Fastener & Pull-The-DOT® Eyelet 5/16" (Nickel-Plated Brass) – #333558
DOT® Snap Fastener Hard Action Socket (Nickel-Plated Brass) – #333058
Sailrite® Woven Sew In Tags (2 pack) – #121627
SuperShok™ Bungee Cord Black With Gold Marker – #126140
YKK® SNAD® Fastener Adhesive-Backed Domed Stud White 40mm – #103354
3M™ Tape Primer 94 Adhesive Promoter Ampule – #120671
Shock Bungee Cord Black – #104327

Note: These items are included in the Sailrite® Sheet Bag & Winch Cover Kit – #126350.

Tools List:

Gingher® Scissors Right Hand Lightweight 8" – #101017
Multiuse Pins 1-1/2" (250 pack) – #102985
Sailrite® Drill Hole Cutter Set – #121825
#0 Spur Grommet Die Set 1/4" – #18201
Sailrite® Bakelite Mallet 13 oz. – #123309
Sailrite® Clear Acrylic Ruler 6" x 24" – #102400
Chalk Pen White – #123131
Sailrite® Canvas Patterning Ruler – #107040
Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) – #311602
Sailrite® Ultrafeed® Industrial Sewing Table – #120934
Suisei Magnetic Sewing Guide – #102983
Basic Thread Snips – #123222
Sailrite® Fabric Edge Match Pliers – #123498
Scratch Awl Yellow – #235411
Sailrite® Snap Fastener Deluxe Installation Tool – #100949
Sailrite® Edge Cordless Hotknife 18V Package – #122177
Deluxe Tape Measure 120" – #123120
Precision Cutting Blade & Foot for Edge Hotknife – #125495
Fabric Edge Pattern Notching Tool – #124326
Drill, Pencil, Marker, Hacksaw, File or Sandpaper, 3/16" Drill Bit, Office Stapler, Level, Rag, Alcohol Prep Pad

Note: These items are NOT included in the Sailrite® Sheet Bag & Winch Cover Kit – #126350.

Sheet bags, also called line bags, keep lines stored out of the way and reduce tripping hazards on your boat. Our kit provides plenty of material to make two roomy bags to hold single or multiple lines. The body of the bag is made from Phifertex^® Standard vinyl mesh fabric, which ensures proper airflow to keep lines dry and prevent mildew growth. Plus, an elastic top cinches the bag closed. This allows you quick access to your lines while keeping bugs and debris out.

Each sailboat winch cover also features an elastic-lined collar. This collar is installed inside the cover and clings to the top of the winch. Thanks to this collar and the cover's snug fit, you never have to worry about the cover blowing overboard and leaving the winch unguarded. Made from durable, weather-resistant Sattler^® Marine Grade Fabric, these covers will prevent dust, salt and other contaminants from building up on your winches when not in use.

X Ht 300747 2 — These boat winch covers and sailing sheet bags can be made in a weekend, but will last for years in even the harshest conditions!

This project is an excellent option for beginner canvasworkers because of the useful techniques it teaches, including:

How to sew a circular panel.
Two ways to create elastic closures.
How to DIY batten end covers.
And more!

Ready to get sewing? Watch the video to start on your custom winch covers and sailboat line bags.

This tutorial is part of our Seaward 32RK Project Series. This sailboat is getting the full DIY treatment! Learn how to sew new v-berth cushions, how to make curved cockpit cushions and more in this series. Click here to view all the projects we’ve completed for this total boat overhaul project.