A few years ago I recovered the seats on my son's snowmobile. It was a heavy jersey backed vinyl fabric I was using, and to sew it I used a needle used for leather. When I bought the needle the man in the store suggested running a little smear of oil along where the seam was going to be so that the foot would slide easily. It worked fine. As well , I put a piece of tissue paper under the fabric as I sewed. The problem seems to be to get it to slide easily. Perhaps there is some sort of sealant you could apply to the seams to waterproof them, but you'd have to be careful it wouldn't dissolve the vinyl. Hope this helps.
Carolyn

I think I have that teflon foot or one for leather. Thanks for the advice about waterproofing the seams.

Teresa

If you look at anything sewed in vinyl that is used outdoors, they use a heavier thread & longer stitch length than normal.

Thanks, gram! I don't think I would have thought of that.
Teresa

Yes, definitely a long stitch, 6-8 stitches per inch is best. Buy upholstery weight nylon thread. A leather needle isn't necessary, but the largest needle that will fit your machine (18/100) should work well with the upholstery thread.

Teflon foot, if you have one, but not absolutley necessary. Tissue paper strips also work.

Flannel-backed tablecloths - they are pretty flimsy. They will certainly stitch together OK, but they are not the least bit durable. Actual marine-grade vinyl is available as remnants at upholstery supply shops, and it can be dirt-cheap.

You can use silicone sealant( feels like rubber) on the seams to cover up the holes. It is flexable after it dries.

teresa, if you plan to store the item outdoors on a permanent basis, I suggest you consider marine fabrics & vinyls & thread. These products are designed to withstand the elements, esp UV rays which will break down the tarps, vinyl tablecoths, etc. Not difficult to sew - and your covers will last many years.
A great source is www.sailrite.com
I have no connection to the company other than a very satisfied longtime customer. They have very knowledgeable customer service who all sew.

Hmmmmm....funny you should mention Sailrite, rivergirl! I work for Glen Raven, Inc., the company that makes Sunbrella and my sister is married to the President and CEO! We make the best marine fabric there is!
~Teresa

Yes you do - and I continue to do my part to keep Glen Raven in business! LOL! DH asked me yesterday if I could "quilt" a binnacle cover for him for Christmas. His sarcasm was directed at my free sewing time going to quilting and learning - while I have abandoned the 90% completed winter boat cover and just promise the binnacle cover everytime he brings it up!
This is all to funny! So now I have to ask, why you aren't using Sunbrella for your cover & is it for the same sister? I have to also mention - I love the newer fabrics and wgts - wish I had unlimited time & funds!
This is indeed funny and goes to show what a small world it is! This has to make you smile - and I hardly ever look at the Sewing Forum!

I think she thought that the awning Sunbrella would be too thick for my machine, but I did tell her that I could use our mom's Singer 15-91 and it would go through it just fine. Also, this cover is going to be B-I-G as the wreath is one you can walk through at the front door - probably over 6 feet tall. Of course, we can order seconds and get an employee discount too.

We are even making some gorgeous rugs now too! I saw some in our lobby the other day. Too bad I can't afford them. :(
So now we make everything from window sheer fabrics to furniture fabrics to awning and marine fabrics and now rugs on the floor! Amazing!