Seamstick: The Unsung Hero of Your Canvas Shop

Seamstick: The Unsung Hero of Your Canvas Shop

If there's one tool we reach for constantly in our canvas shop, it's seamstick. It may not look like much, but once you start using it, you'll wonder how you ever sewed without it.

If you've ever struggled to keep fabric layers aligned while sewing--especially with marine materials--this might just become your new favorite tool.

What Is Seamstick?

Seamstick is a double-sided seaming tape with an acrylic adhesive on a Mylar backing. In simple terms, it's designed to temporarily hold fabric together so you can sew clean, accurate seams without shifting, slipping, or frustration.

Our seamstick is:

  • Extra sticky and made to hold
  • Ideal for marine and outdoor fabrics
  • Available in 1/4", 3/8", and 3/4" widths
  • Sold in rolls of approximately 60 yards

In our shop, 3/8" is the go-to size for most applications.

Why Seamstick Is So Useful

Seamstick solves one of the biggest challenges in sewing heavy or slippery materials by helping keep everything exactly where you want it while sewing.

  • Keeps layers aligned
  • Reduces the need for pinning
  • Speeds up sewing and assembly
  • Improves stitch accuracy

It's especially helpful when working with:

  • Sunbrella®
  • Sailcloth
  • Vinyl and clear window material
  • Other outdoor fabrics

How to Use Seamstick

For Overlapped Seams

When joining two fabric panels, apply 3/4" seamstick to the selvage edge of one panel. Stick the second panel to the first, using the inside edge of the seamstick as a guide for a clean, even seam. Sew along the edge of the top panel, flip the work over, and sew along the other side.

This is a great technique when joining two widths of Sunbrella® to create a wider finished panel.

For Sailcloth

Seamstick is essential when sewing sailcloth. Use 3/8" seamstick in the seam allowance of the lower panel, then position the next panel on top before sewing.

It's also ideal for holding:

  • Patches
  • Luff tape
  • Webbing
  • Other reinforcements

For Zippers

Use 1/4" seamstick to hold zippers in place while sewing. It keeps alignment straight and prevents shifting while you work.

For Clear Vinyl and Enclosure Panels

Seamstick is incredibly useful when making enclosure panels or replacing Strataglass or other clear vinyl window material in dodgers and enclosures.

Use it to stick fabric to clear vinyl, or to position new vinyl onto an existing panel before sewing. When replacing clear vinyl, sew the new piece in place first and then cut out the old window material afterward. That helps preserve the original shape of the panel.

For Vinyl-to-Vinyl Applications

Seamstick sticks exceptionally well to vinyl, such as Weblon Regatta. When bonding vinyl to vinyl, we prefer using 1/4" seamstick for better control.

If you place it incorrectly, Goo Gone can help remove excess adhesive residue from the vinyl.

For Reinforcements and Finishing

Use seamstick to attach vinyl laminate cloth to the inside of hatch covers, dodgers, and other projects as reinforcement for fasteners or to help finish an edge cleanly before sewing.

Tips for Best Results

Don't Stretch the Tape

Be careful not to stretch seamstick as you apply it. If the tape is stretched, it can relax later and cause puckering in the fabric.

Lay Fabric Flat First

It's easier to apply seamstick when the fabric is pinned or clamped flat on the table before you begin.

Press It Down for Better Adhesion

If the tape isn't sticking as well as you'd like, press it down with a hard metal object, such as the handle of a pair of shears.

You can also use a warm iron, but be careful not to overheat the material. Too much heat can damage or melt certain fabrics.

A Note About Sunbrella®

We've noticed that seamstick often sticks better to Sunbrella® fabric that has been on the shelf for a while. The water repellency treatment on new fabric may reduce initial adhesion somewhat.

Why We Keep It in the Shop

From sailmaking to marine canvas work, seamstick is one of those simple tools that makes a huge difference. It helps reduce frustration, improves accuracy, and saves time on nearly every project.

Once you start using it, it quickly becomes one of those tools you never want to be without.

Final Thoughts

If you've been struggling to hold fabric together while sewing, seamstick is well worth trying. We use it every day in our shop and consider it one of the most indispensable sewing tools we sell.

Until next time--
Happy sewing!

-- Jean
Sailmaker's Supply

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