How to Patch the Floor of a Tent

Repairs and proper care can extend the life of your tent.

There are two alternatives to repairing a tent floor with a patch. Much depends on the size of the hole and the tent material. Small tears can be repaired with nylon repair tape placed on both sides of the flooring and sealed with a liquid seam sealer. For larger holes a patch is needed.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas or nylon patching material depending upon tent material
• Scissors
• Straight pins
• Measuring tape
• Wax coated thread
• Sewing needle
• Seam sealer

Instructions

Preparation

1. Work from the outside of the floor fabric.

2. Brush any dirt or debris from the flooring fabric.

3. Cut the patch 3 inches in diameter larger than the hole.

4. Place and pin the the patch over the hole.

5. Turn 1 inch of the edge of the patch under all the way around

6. Secure the tucked in portion of the patch with pins.

Sewing the Patch

1. Measure in 1/8th of an inch from the edge of the patch.

2. Hand stitch the patch into place, 1/8th inch from the edge and all around.

3. Measure in ¼ th of an inch from the edge.

4. Hand stitch a second row at the ¼-inch mark all the way around.

5. Remove the pins.

Finishing

1. Turn the tent inside out and work from the inside-facing floor.

2. Working from the inside of the tent flooring you will see the hole, and behind it, the patch. With scissors trim the exposed hole into a square, being careful not to clip the patch.

3. Make a slit, approximately 1 inch long, into each of the corners of the squared-off hole.

4. Turn the resulting four flaps under the fabric and pin in place.

5. Stitch around the folded and pinned edge about 1/8 of an inch in. This will prevent fraying from the inside of the tent floor.

6. Stitch a second row ¼ of an inch in.

7. Use seam sealer according to directions all around the outside of the patch to seal stitching holes and keep it water tight..

Tips & Warnings

• You can use waxed dental floss in the place of thread.

References

• Fix-it-Yourself Manual

Resources

• REI: Caring for Your Tent