Your Fabric is Only as Good as Your Notions
Whether you're a small business producing tactical backpacks or a weekend DIYer sewing your first canvas tote, one thing is certain: even the toughest fabric won’t hold up without the right support components. Notions like thread, zippers, buckles, and webbing aren’t just accessories—they’re essential elements that determine how well your product performs.
At Seattle Fabrics, we serve both professionals and hobbyists who create everything from custom tents and tarps to duffel bags and dog gear. We’ve seen what works—and what fails. So let’s talk about the five most important notions you need to build outdoor gear that’s rugged, reliable, and ready for anything.
1. Heavy-Duty Thread: The Backbone of Any Project
It’s easy to overlook, but thread is your gear’s lifeline. Choosing the wrong type can cause early failures, seam splitting, and fabric fraying.
Why It Matters:
Outdoor projects are exposed to UV, rain, friction, and tension.
The wrong thread will degrade quickly—sometimes faster than the fabric itself.
Top Thread Options at Seattle Fabrics:
UV-Resistant Polyester Thread: Best for outdoor exposure and sail work. It resists sun damage and mildew.
Nylon Bonded Thread: Strong, abrasion-resistant, and ideal for backpacks and tactical gear.
PTFE Thread (Teflon®): The gold standard—used in sailmaking and high-end marine work, impervious to UV and chemicals.
2. Zippers That Last: Choose the Right Weight and Style
Outdoor gear zippers take a beating. They’re constantly zipped, yanked, jammed with grit, and exposed to the elements. Don’t trust your project to lightweight zippers meant for clothing.
Why It Matters:
A broken zipper renders your gear useless.
Industrial-grade zippers improve durability and customer satisfaction.
Recommended Zippers for Outdoor Use:
#10 Coil Zippers: Flexible and strong, great for tents, duffel bags, and boat enclosures.
#10 Molded Tooth Zippers: Rugged and weather-resistant—perfect for marine use.
Water-Resistant Coil Zippers: Keeps gear dry while maintaining flexibility.
Tip:
For DIYers, buy zipper kits with extra sliders. If you're experimenting or repairing old gear, having extras saves time and money.
3. Webbing: Strength, Structure, and Style
Webbing is everywhere in outdoor gear—from backpack straps to tie-downs, harnesses, pet leashes, and tactical gear. Choosing the right webbing depends on weight rating, material, and exposure.
Popular Webbing Types:
Nylon Webbing: High strength and flexibility; perfect for packs, climbing gear, and load-bearing straps.
Polypropylene Webbing: Lightweight and water-resistant; great for outdoor covers and boating.
Cotton Webbing: Natural look, often used for lighter bags and indoor decor with a rustic feel.
Bonus Use Cases:
Tie-down loops
Reinforcement for seams
Adjustable straps with ladder-lock buckles
4. Fasteners & Hardware: Secure Every Connection
The right hardware brings everything together. Whether you're creating tactical gear, soft-sided cases, dog harnesses, or travel gear, the fastening system makes or breaks usability.
Must-Have Hardware Options:
Side Release Buckles: Perfect for adjustable straps, packs, and belts.
D-Rings & O-Rings: Used for leash connections, carabiner clips, and gear loops.
Snaps, Rivets, and Grommets: Great for covers, marine applications, and closures.
Cord Locks & Toggles: Critical for cinch bags, hoods, and drawstrings.
DIY-Friendly:
Many of these fasteners are installable with simple hand tools.
Try a starter pack to experiment with multiple options.
Commercial Tip:
Seattle Fabrics offers metal and plastic variants for different aesthetics, environments, and weight ratings.
5. Binding, Trim & Seam Tape: Finish Like a Pro
Nothing ruins a good project like a rough or unfinished edge. Clean up your seams with binding and trim that’s both functional and professional-looking.
Common Uses:
Nylon Binding Tape: Prevents fraying, adds polish to edges.
Reflective Tape: Enhances visibility—great for outdoor gear and pet products.
Seam Sealing Tape: Waterproofs tents, bags, and tarps.
Why It’s Important:
Improves durability and resale value
Essential for safety in low-visibility settings
Meets many commercial manufacturing standards
Bonus: Foam & Padding
For cushions, tactical inserts, or pet bedding, don’t forget the structure. Seattle Fabrics offers closed-cell foam, open-cell foam, and reticulated foam—all ideal for outdoor use and easy to cut.
Real-World Project Examples
For Businesses:
Tent Manufacturers: Use UV-treated thread, coil zippers, polypropylene webbing, and seam tape.
Bag Companies: Rely on nylon webbing, heavy sliders, and reinforced hardware.
Custom Marine Upholsterers: Trust marine-grade zippers, mildew-resistant thread, and stainless grommets.
For Hobbyists:
RV Owners: Create custom window covers, seat cushions, and bags using durable notions.
Pet Parents: Design your own leashes and harnesses with easy-to-use fasteners and reflective tape.
Campers & Overlanders: Build gear bags, tarp covers, or firewood carriers with webbing and waterproof zippers.
Why Buy Notions from Seattle Fabrics?
Wide Selection: Curated for outdoor and industrial use—not craft store-grade
Bulk Availability: Ideal for commercial manufacturers and Etsy shops alike
Expert Help: Our staff can walk you through material compatibility
Consistent Stock: Ensures continuity for long-term product lines