Canvas repair advice

[LaRaine]

This is our first pop up, 1992 Jay Series 1006 Deluxe. Is there a way to repair the elastic canvas part that goes under the bed or do we have to replace the whole canvas? I attached a picture of what we are working with.

[Colorado]

I sewed the corners on mine, I used heavy canvas from a backpack as a backing material. I used UV resistant thread, 2 pliers and a bought a pack of large/sharp needles. I used the pliers to push the needle through the material then the other pliers to pull it through. It was a PITA but in the end it worked great and was cheaper than a new canvas. It the rest of the canvas is weathered and beaten but the camper is in good shape, it may be easier to get a new canvas.

Bear Creek Canvas

Bear Creek Canvas | Pop-Up Camper Recanvasing Specialists | Spencer WI

802 N Pacific St, Spencer, WI 54479
(715) 659-2777

[WeRJuliian]

Canvas sewing is a definite skill, but it can be learned.
(I'm lucky, I came from the sailing world, and spent many hours repairing old canvas sails)

I'd recommend a sailmaker/leatherworker's awl, like the Speedy Stiitcher,.
As already noted, use a UV resistant thread, and wax it. It may say "waxed" on the label, but I would recommend drawing the thread over a block of beeswax. It helps to seal and waterproof your stitches, and lets the thread slide more easily as you pull it through the canvas. And it smells nice..

For a repair of that size, you will need to sew in a backing piece of canvas or a heavy fabric tape, a couple of inches wide.

It can be a pain, but it's curiously satisfying.