How to Repair a Tarp Tent & a Canopy

Tarp tents and their canopies use heavy-duty canvas for the walls and doors. Over time, this fabric may tear, requiring repairs. When working with heavy canvas, equip a sewing machine with a heavy needle and thread. Before you begin the tent repair, it helps to run the canvas through a washing machine two or three times on the hottest setting available to get the material loose and pliant. Due to the size of the tent and canopy, use a commercial laundromat's large machine.

Things You'll Need

  • Sewing machine
  • Size 14 or 16 heavy-duty sewing needle
  • Heavy-duty canvas thread
  • Scrap canvas
  • Fabric glue stick
  • Scissors
  • Measuring tape
  • Washing machine
  • Wax-based lubricant
  • Wood glue
  • Duct tape
Show More

Instructions

  1. Tarp and Canopy Repair

    • 1

      Take down the tent and canopy and take them to a commercial laundry. Run the tent and canopy through the hottest setting possible at least twice to get the fabric ready for the needle.

    • 2

      Isolate the rip or tear by inspecting the tent and canopy. Place the scrap canvas next to the rip or tear and cut out a patch about 2 inches larger than the tear itself.

    • 3

      Prepare your sewing machine with a heavy-duty needle, size 14 or 16, and a heavy-duty thread for the canvas. Place the ripped section of the tarp and canopy on a flat surface. Apply the glue stick to the back of the canvas patch, pinch the tear together and place the patch -- glue side down -- onto the tarp or canopy.

    • 4

      Stitch the patch onto the canopy or tarp tear with the sewing machine.

    Pole and Zipper Repair

    • 5

      Place the tarp and canopy back onto the frame of the tent. Inspect all zippers on the doors or window areas. If they stick, apply a coating of the wax lubricant down the length of the zippers.

    • 6

      Inspect all poles for any cracks in the wood. Squirt wood glue into any crack and smear the glue around the pole at the crack area. Let the glue dry.

    • 7

      Wrap the cracked area with four to five full wraps of duct tape to give more strength to the glue and repaired pole area.