Making a tent

[BillinOregon]

I'm feeling the urge to make my own bell-backed wedge this spring as an authentic early fur-trade HBC/NWC shelter. I know several good tentmakers offer this design, but none of them offer it hand-stitched or in correct heavy linen or Russian-drill hemp fabric. From doing some reading, I can see I will need a sailmaker's palm and needles, as well as heavy linen thread and endless patience.
Anyone else been down this path and have advice to give?

 

[BrownBear]

I've hand-sewn canvas accessories for boats. You're right on the money on all counts. One thing I'd add to your list is a good round awl. It can be a sharpened and polished scratch awl from your local hardware store. The bigger deal is something with a handle for pre-poking your holes when doing more than 2 layers of canvas. I like that lots better than a palm.