Sewing on hiking straps?

I have a vinyl (not mesh) trampoline and want to sow on hiking straps. Any pointers?
Do I take them to a sailmaker?
Can a friend with a sowing machine do it? She asked what kind of material it is and the thickness.
Can it be done while it’s on the frame?
Where can I get the straps?
Thanks!
Danny

It would depend on your friend's sewing machine but it would need to be a very heavy duty machine. It may be better to take it to a sailmaker. I took a tramp to a local tent maker here in Japan to resew around where the sun had destroyed the thread. They make large awning type tents out of similar material as the vinyl tramps here. A budget option would be to get an awl and hand sew it on, it would take a while but as you only need to sew the hiking straps in a few places wouldn't be too bad. Something like this one from Sailrite.

https://www.sailrite.com/Speedy-Stitcher-Sewing-Awl-Kit

As for hiking strap material towing straps are cheap and nice and soft or maybe some old seat belt material from a scrapyard would work but a bit harder on the legs.

_________________
Hobie Wave 2004
Hobie 14 1991 Plum 40525
Hobie 16 1985 Nationals White Prism 91964
Hobie 16 1985 European Championships Palma 114072

You can also install the straps using spur grommets instead of sewing. This may be an easier DIY option if you don’t have a heavy duty sewing machine.

sm

Upholstery shop. Seat belt webbing.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Whatever approach you take, if the straps are a fixed length, make sure that whoever is attaching them knows that they need to have some slack. If they are laid down perfectly flat against the tramp and then sewn down, you will never get your feet under them.

sm

Good to add one twist in each section. Easier to get feet under them... standard practice for many years now.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)