Shadecloth on overlocker/serger?

Hm... Does no-one know?

The (usually) green nylon mesh stuff you use to make "shade sails" for your yard - or sometimes on the walls of greenhouses...

Would it be ok to run this stuff through an overlocker?

If yes, what kind of needle should I use? Thread?

Thanks for reading...

Allan.

Well, no Allan, I wouldn't. This is because I wouldn't trust it to not rip out in even a light breeze. I think it would work better if it was sewn on a sewing machine, using a heavy needle like a denim one, doing an inch and a half wide flat felled seam, or overlapping the edges -if the seam is on two selvages- and sewing each edge one to the other, or even covering a regular seam ( if this is the cut end) with a binding if you don't mind a stripe in there. HTH..

Hm... Good point. I'll probably use one of my wife's Singer 99Ks. Thanks!

Allan

Allan, if you're using the knit type that is pretty much standard now, you shouldn't need to finish the edges. If it's to stop the edges curling, it might be better bound. What are you using it for?

chris

:-)

Thinking of making a backyard "marquee" - it's middle of a hot summer here, and was thinking of making a large shade-tent sort of thing. Folded edges, eyelets in the corners and every so often down the side... That sort of thing.

Allan.

Sounds nice! Be warned, you'll probably still need sunscreen - most fabrics do not stop UV light

liz young

Hello Chris... :)

Allan, if you are do> Thinking of making a backyard "marquee" - it's middle of a hot summer

Hm... Yes, I found out it blocks a max of 90%. And it's going to cost over $200 AU just for the roof. (I can buy a very good quality tarp for $98 AU.)

Maybe I could buy cheap mosquito netting and "velcro" it to the tarp edge... Hm...

Allan.

Thanks!

Shop around. I got the "gazebo" in this picture at my grocery store for US$200.00. I couldn't make it for that. Not to mention all the metal-work!

Allan,

I saw cheap marquees in a catalogue in the last week - sorry, gone out in the rubbish already so I can't check where, but I think it was Big W or the Warehouse - less than $100. I'm pretty sure they had the solid roof and mesh sides. Not sure of the size either, sorry. Of course, making it yourself is more fulfilling, but the flies don't know the difference :-)

Merry Christmas (forecast 39oC here in Melbourne)

chris :-)

Thanks Chris... Yep, we've seen a few in different places. One was only $25 or so. I'm a bit tired though, of buying stuff that's broken/torn/worn out in a couple of weeks. We've decided to put it on hold for the moment - I might do it later with a canvas roof and mesh sides...

Thanks...

Allan.

Of course that should have been 29oC. Christmas fingers!! (tired from all that wrapping) Hope you all have a safe, peaceful day wherever in the world you are.

chris :-)

It doesn't pay to go too cheap. The one I have (link to photo in other post) has a canopy of sturdy nylon like that used to make tents. It has zippers to fit over the framework, and has the center raised and separate to allow for ventilation. It has been up for 8 months or so now, and is still in excellent condition, despite being in an area of high winds and strong sun. It holds onto the frame with velcro straps. I haven't used the screens yet because we have almost no insects to speak of around here. Too dry for them. I bought the screen set because it was available, and I didn't want to gamble on availability later. The metal framework should last a long time, and I hope the top does, too, because I really don't want to have to try to copy it. ;-)