HOW TO - MAKE A CHEAP & EASY KAYAK COCKPIT COVER

Step by step video will show you how to make the cover and different material choices to use. How to sew on a handle for easy off and on.
Supplies:
your kayak of course
measuring tape
nylon material of your choice. Options are to buy fabric online or at your fabric store, or use a nylon laundry bag or a waterproof nylon tablecloth. Watch video to determine how much yardage you will need. For my kayak I needed 53"x 28" for one kayak cover.
Tissue paper, freezer paper, wrapping paper or newspaper to use for your pattern
painters masking tape
sharpie pen
paper scissors
-sewing pins
sharp sewing scissors
1" x 12" piece of webbing for your handle
sewing machine
thread for your sewing machine
6mm black elastic. I used 65" for one cover
large safety pin, small skewer or double ended knitting needle to assist with threading through the elastic
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[@donsixpack6779]

I used a poncho and piece of bungee cord for years. Now I'm ready to upgrade! Thank You

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

That was being resourceful! I found the cheap tablecloth to not hold up very well. You can try a shower curtain liner. A bit stronger.

[@chelseagilson4439]

Thank you! This was perfectly in depth, thorough, and just what I was looking for after seeing the price of other kayak covers :)

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Perfect! I found the dollar store tablecloth wasn’t as strong as I would have liked. A higher quality shower curtain from the dollar store works too.

[@dougfiveash]

learning how to use the wifes' sewing machine will be the biggest challenge. Great job with the video. Thanks for the inspiration

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Maybe your wife will give you a quick sewing lesson and then you will be set to go. Thanks for watching!

[@MissShellGrimes]

I have lots of ideas and your video has given me some more. Thanks for sharing!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Your so welcome!

[@joannewilson7548]

Thank you again.. I have been putting off making one for a few years.. I got frustrated with the corners using a heavier material, never thought of a table cloth!! It is a little thinner than I wanted, I showed hubby and as I was showing him I noticed that I somehow managed to nick it a little.... Kayak is at the cottage.. will need to wait for the weekend to try it out. Thank you again for posting this video.. your step by step guidance and simple explanation gave me the confidence to give it a go!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

I did show the tablecloth for this video. It worked fine but next time I am going to use a shower curtain from the dollar store. Not the real cheap shower curtain liner as those are usually just a very thin sheet of plastic but the better quality ones that you can find at the dollar store.

[@donnahawley126]

I have quite a list to get tomorrow from binge-watching your wonderful tutorials

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Lol! That’s so great that I have inspired you in many different arts and crafts. Thanks for watching lots of my videos. Have fun with all your projects!

[@papuchycba23]

thank you very much a hug from cordoba, argentina

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Hello in Argentina! Enjoy sewing up a cover!

[@jenniferyamazaki7348]

Thank you for sharing! Your directions were so easy to follow.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelpurdy1116]

Fantastic! Thank you for showing us this DIY

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Your very welcome!

[@edwinflynn9744]

Very nice. Thank you for sharing

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Thanks for watching!

[@queenbeebee222]

Thank you. This is just what I needed!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Your very welcome!

[@esemiklo5833]

Thank you miss, you are a genius!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Well thank you! Glad you like the kayak covers!

[@ethan073]

You’re awesome. Think I’ll give this a go one upcoming weekend. My tandem kayak has an enormous cockpit and I haven’t been able to find one that would fit.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Try using a shower curtain liner instead of the dollar store tablecloth. It will be stronger. Or look at your fabric store for waterproof material. It will be more expensive of course but it will last longer.

[@ChannelX24]

Thanks so much - gonna make one for my sea kayak and save some money on the expensive store bought ones. Bought some durable waterproof fabric as I'm keeping mime outside for most of the season. Great video.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Yeah. It really helps to keep the dirt and critters out.

[@Jazzmyca]

What kind of fabric did you buy? I'm looking for waterproof fabric.

[@ChannelX24]

@Jazzmyca I used a marine grade 600D polyester fabric. It's coated on the backside with polyurethane. Have used it for a kayak cover and to make a cushioned backrest for a sea kayak.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Sounds perfect!

[@solarpony]

I'm going to start looking around for a waterproof bed sheet and use that!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Yes, that would work great. Or a shower contain liner would work good too.

[@carladeykin8966]

Thank you for the awesome video!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Your welcome!

[@undergroundchuckeytennesse2526]

Great idea, looks good too and you cant beat the price..... We have custom fitted, water proof and uv protected covers for our 2 kayaks that have pull straps to tighten down snug around entire kayak. Our problem we had was we keep them both on trailer ready to go in a jiffy. If stored upright and it rained water would pool up over cockpit area... lots of water which if left would be a nesting area for bugs. We fixed with a simple pvc brace across the cockpit. My question is are your covers tight enough to keep water from pooling up and if water does pool up does the weight pull your cover off. Of course if your kayaks are stored under a shelter where rain cant get to it or if you stored them up on one end you would not have that problem. Just wondering if you have had any problems in this area if you store them outside.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

They are not as suturing as the commercial ones. If water pooled into them it’s blue they would cave in.

[@snowytom]

Great tutorial -- thanks!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@judevucovich7068]

This great!! I have a suggestion. I want to be able to fold my cover in half and be able to attach the back to the front, so I have a 1/2 apron to cover my leg while kayaking. I want to sew a small dowel for strength, in the center to fold over and attach to the front with the elastic ridge. Sew some pockets on top to place a few things in…. What do you think???

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

I think you would have to keep the front half rigid with not stretching the cord or elastic as it would be difficult to get it to stay in place when you released the back of the cover. I think you should think about making a separate one for a kayak spray skirt where it is open in the middle for your body and keep the cover as is. But maybe you can get ingenious and figure out a way for it to work for you.

[@amyavery4306]

Patti ‘s video is excellent. I’ve made kayak covers for about 20 years, and I’ve use the same pattern all this time. I made it out of heavy cardboard. I would definitely use nylon or outdoor heavy thread, and reinforce the bow handles with some kind of fabric or nylon on the backside so it won’t tear through. I’ve used heavier fabrics And bungee or marine stretch cord, and they last about five or more years each. For a splash skirt, I use the same pattern but just cut it off where your body fits through. It works well just to keep water and sun off your legs. I’ve not had good resultsWith pockets, because I have not found a good way to stiffen it like you’re looking for.Thanks, Patti. And good luck Jude.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Thanks Amy for this comment for Jude.

[@adenihil]

Thank you

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Your welcome!

[@debiseamans1661]

I love to kayak but I don’t like the spiders that like to share my kayak with me. I’m not bothered by the daddy long legs, but when a big brown spider crawled out and almost made me capsize , I decided it was time to make something to cover the opening. Buying something cost $40 or more and so I decided to search the Internet for a solution and found your video. I bought some vinyl fabric on clearance at the fabric store and was able to make two covers for about five dollars each. I can’t say that it was easy because I am not a sewer and, for whatever reason, the fabric would not advance itself and I had a muscle it through, and it was a bit difficult on my poor, somewhat arthritic fingers. However, although not very attractive on the “wrong” side, they do the trick Spiders be gone!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

No one is going to look at the sewing. Only you will know. They don’t have to be pretty. And like you said, if it keeps the spiders out, especially nasty brown spiders than we have won!

[@ahilbilyredneksopinion]

Everyone should have an aunt crafty patty...sure wish I did....I can't craft to save my life.lol

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Aahh. Your so kind!

[@ireland66613]

Thank you awsome

[@janetp8]

I just bought my outdoor tablecloth (60in by 102in) from Walmart for $3.18 will make 3 covers, some 1/8" by 25' bungie shock marine grade cording from Amazon, and lock stops from Amazon. Just need to know how much webbing is needed per cover? Anyone know? Thanks Great Video... I am returning the one I bought from amazon- it was so flimsy it just collected rain water and collapsed.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

If I was to make them again I would splurge and get have decent waterproof fabric and then they will last much longer. Once you make your template you will know how much material you need. Every kayaks cockpit are different sizes.

[@justanotherguy1633]

Smart. im gonna do mine today. Just cleaned it out for the 10th time. Plus if a spider crawls out while on the water, im probably going in

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Haha. Yeah. I’m not big on spiders crawling up my leg while I’m on the water either. Lol.

[@lollydiston445]

Would that fabric hold up to pinning instead of working the tucks with your fingers as it’s sewn?

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Sure, give it a try. If you find pinning works better for you. Whatever gets the job done I say. The dollar store tablecloths are not real strong so you can also use a better quality vinyl or water resistant or waterproof fabric.

[@tracysnowden8892]

How has this held up since yoo made it? Did the fabric withstand taking it on and off, weather, sunshine, etc? Thank you!

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Yes, it did hold up but for the next ones I will try a shower curtain from the dollar store. Just as cheap but stronger material.

[@josephloffredo388]

Was the table cloth material impermeable plastic? Or a breathable material?

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Honesty, I probably wouldn't use the cheap dollar store tablecloth again as it wasn't real strong fabric. I would look for the shower curtain liners instead at the dollar store or buy a vinyl from the fabric store.

[@1viridis]

I'm looking for waterproof material . Is it possible to sew through a vinyl shower curtain liner without the stitches tearing? I mean, since it would not be a woven material.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Sew with a longer stitch length. It was just a suggestion to use the shower curtain as it is stronger material than the tablecloth I used from the dollar store. I haven’t tried it yet as I am still using the first ones I made.

[@1viridis]

Thank you! I just bought elasticized shock cord at REI. Not bad at 38 cents a yard. Now off to Goodwill in hopes of finding a waterproof picnic tablecloth or table pad! Again, thank you!

[@1viridis]

Oops, sorry, 38 cents a foot, not yard.

[@vickiesnider918]

How do you figure the length needed for elastic? My kayak measurements are 59 1/2" x 26".

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

I used a tape measure to measure the opening around the cockpit. Thread the elastic through your casing and tie ends together. Adjust if needed to make tighter or looser.

[@margan59]

I want a cover that can stay on when the kayak is on top of the car. Do you think this one would?

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

No, I would not leave the cover on when in transport as a gust of wind could possibly lift it off. They sure keep all the debree out when they are stored though.

[@dianeperkins8507]

​@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts I also want to transport and was thinking of substituting cording for the elastic that I can pull tight but it would not stretch enough for the wind to catch. Mine doesn't drain when driving in the rain.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Hi Diane. For this video I was trying to keep the price down so I used the elastic. But I was considering using small round cording as well as it might catch under the edge and hold better. Other than than that I could have designed it so there was an excess of of about 3 inches all the way around and then just pull the cording on top of the plastic and under the edge. At the time of doing the video I was only considering the cover for storage as I take my cover off in transit. The next idea is to make a drawstring bag that the whole kayak could be placed in but that’s a lot more work and awkward to put on and take off but it would be the answer for transit.

[@amyavery4306]

@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts I’ve used bungee cord for years for my covers, and they stay on perfectly well on top of the car. I do like the extra safety, though of having my kayak straps go over at least one part of the cover. But I’ve never even had it come loose.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Good to know Amy. Thanks for your comment.

[@mariaquintana4477]

How much would you charge to make and ship one?

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Sorry, I don’t do customized covers.

[@justanotherguy1633]

I think I'm just gonna use a tablecloth and one of those elastic workout bands And call it A-day lol.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

A shower curtain will work too if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on waterproof material.

[@justanotherguy1633]

@@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts thats exactly what i got. And a rope. Tied end to end to an elastic band. Its good for now.

[@suewinkelman4123]

How do you determine how long the elastic should be?

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Just measure around the outside edge of your pattern for the length of your elastic. Then when you tie your knot it will gather enough to hold under the lip of the cockpit. Try it on your kayak before you cut off your ends in case you need to loosen it a bit. Hint: Try using an elastic cording instead of flat elastic as it might sit under the lip better.

[@walleyehunter8862]

I keep my kayak in my house but going to the lake and coming home bees and all kinds of bugs end up getting in it , I wish I had a sewing machine and knew how to use it 🤔

[@sheripresloid7839]

Get 2 cheap bungee cords, wrap the table cloth (or cheap tarp) around the cords, safty pin it, glue it or do a hand sewn (wide stitch) just to keep the cord contained. Then, just hook the bungee cords around to the bottom of the boat (obviously, going sideways; not back to front). That would keep it somewhat air-tight. Now, in the winter, I will probably make something like this one to keep it totally sealed. But, for now, I will do the quick version I just made up.

[@Fetherko]

Get a long needle and strong nylon thread and stitch it by hand with a "basting stitch" . I am sure there are hand stitching instructions on the web. It might look frankenstein, but you will be proud. I picked nylon because I think it holds up to the sun better.

[@HuntingCreatures]

6 spiders came by and gave their thumb down opinion.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Hahaha.

[@amberwaters2998]

😆

[@amyavery4306]

The little green frog that went on a trip with me, unbeknownst to me, gives a thumbs up. He didn’t like the ride, I don’t think.Would have preferred he couldn’t have gotten in the boat.

[@mikejd1364]

Great idea, but you lost me at the sewing part. Maybe I can hotglue,lol.

[@CraftyPattiArtsCrafts]

Lol! You can try using the following sewing glues. No sewing needed. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion glue or speed sew glue.