Warning: This process can take about 30 hours for an experienced sewer and 50+ hours for someone who never made a bimini top before. If you want to stop now and save yourself the frustration and potentially loss of expensive Sunbrella fabric click here for prices on a new bimini top shipping to your door. (insert a link to http://www.websweeper.com/php/bimini_tops/bim-004.php)
Items you will need:
- Industrial Sewing Machine
- Sunbrella fabric
- Practice or pattern fabric
- heavy duty anti-wick thread (not cotton)
- #18 needles
- basting tape
- Colored piping for the edges
Step 1:
Create a pattern out of cheap fabric that does not stretch. It is better to make a mistake on this pattern fabric than the Sunbrella fabric.
Step 2: When you are making a pattern, you will want to visually cut the bimini top in half from front to back. The pattern will be for only half of your bimini top and the other half will be identical to the first half.
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Step 3:
Take your measurements for the front half of your bimini top and create a pattern. Remember you will need to stitch a 3” pocket for your frame in the very front of your bimini top. This means that you will need to figure your measurement length plus another 4” to accommodate for your 3” pocket and stitching.
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Step 4:
Repeat step #3 for the back half of you bimini top. Both halves should be identical.
(maybe add to this image showing an arrow pointing to the back of the bimini top where the pocket is located for the front bar of the framework)
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Step 5:
Sew the 3” pockets at each end of the bimini top to allow for the framework to slip inside.
Step 6:
Sew the front a back half of the bimini top together in the middle. Double check you measurements before sewing these two halfs together. Your fabric length may have slightly changed when you sewed the pockets on each end. If you are still unsure after measuring, actually sliding the fabric pockets on the framework and holding the two bimini top halves over the framework will give you a visual of the center sewing line. This center line needs reinforcement. So figure on folding over the fabric at this center line for the best reinforcement possible. Double check your measurements and begin sewing the two halfs together.
Step 7:
Once the bimini top is sewn together try on the framework one last time. If you like the way this fits, you may now repeat these steps with your Sunbrella fabric.
Step 8:
Now you have a bimini top that fits on your framework made of your Sunbrella fabric in just the right color for your boat. Finish the outer edges of your bimini top off with piping of any color. This will give your bimini top a clean finished look and adds durability.
Congratulations You Are Finished Sewing Your Bimini Top Fabric & Your Bimini Top is Complete!