Need Velvet

[shutterfinger]

A 1918 3A Graflex SLR that I'm repairing has black velvet on the mirror frame with spring steel fingers to keep it tight against the film gate sides to form a light seal while allowing the mirror frame to move freely upon shutter release. The velvet has deteriorated and must be replaced.
Joann fabrics canceled my order for an 8 inch square stating its no longer available. The widest velvet ribbon is 2.5 inches and a roll is $10. I need 3 inch-3 1/4 inch wide by 12 inches or 6 inch square. None on ebay.

Anyone know of a source? I want it yesterday. I will visit the fabric store 6 miles away Tuesday hoping to find something suitable if no other options are available. Thin felt is not working.

 

[bdial]

One source my wife has used for stuff like that is jackets from thrift stores and the like.

 

[Roger Thoms]

Have you tried Britex in San Francisco? https://www.britexfabrics.com/

Roger

 

[shutterfinger]

Bdial, pm sent.

 

[JensH]

Hi,

here in Germany velvet is not hard to find, but it is nylon velvet like in the britex link.

The problem is to get that old style non plastic/nylon velvet - cotton based, I guess.
Something like this: https://www.activefabrics.co.uk/cotton/cotton-velvet/jewel-cotton-velvet-black.html
I'm looking out for some to restore the inlets of some 1930s camera cases.

Best
Jens

 

[ced]

An alternative might be "felt" like on gaming tables, snooker or billiard tables check out the arts and crafts stores where the ladies get all their things they like doing at home to pass time or make some pocket money.
I agree sometimes thrift stores for old clothing velvet may be found also furniture upholsterers may have what you need.
You mentioned ribbons, lay it down in strips.

 

[shutterfinger]

Jens,
Try an ebay search for velvet. I get silk, nylon, and cotton based by the yard here in the states.

 

[JensH]

Jens,
Try an ebay search for velvet. I get silk, nylon, and cotton based by the yard here in the states.

Jep, I'll search... thank you.
Did'nt know about silk velvet, sounds a bit poshy... ;-)
Best
Jens

 

[paul ron]

Michaels sells a velvet ribbon.

 

[eddie]

Would self adhesive black flock paper work? https://www.thorlabs.com/Images/PDF/Vol18_110.pdf