How to sew a sail by hand Jan 8, 2019 · Watch and learn as Allison Wood from Port Townsend Sails teaches the proper technique for sewing hanks on a headsail. Use a High-Quality Needle. You’ll need to sew the boltrope onto the edge of your sail with zigzag stitches. facebook. I use a rubber fingertip to increase my grip when hand-sewing thick ma About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright Dec 3, 2017 · Many modelers choose to do furled sails on their ships. You’ll need everyday supplies like basting tape, UV resistant thread, twine, a scratch awl, scissors and hand-sewing needles, among other basic items. Manually produce lock stitches, just like a sewing machine! This kit c Jul 17, 2018 · On the other hand, if the leach tape has come loose or if the seam has ripped close to the leech, which is a high-load area, you are going to have to sew the sail. May 24, 2022 · Invest in strong needles designed for sewing canvas sails. For straight-stitch canvaswork, the Ultrafeed LS is a great choice. Aug 11, 2022 · T orn canvas is no fun for the sailor, but there is something uniquely satisfying about making repairs or hand-stitching new creations using needle and thread. Our short video tutorial is going to teach you how to sew an overlapping seam. Apr 9, 2014 · How to Stock the Ideal Sail-Repair Kit. http://www. A must-have for your boating library, The Sail Repair Manual will help you be self-sufficient by being able to repair your own sails at sea or at home. Ever want to sew your own sail? Escape the ordinary with Boat builder, Bob Emser as he shows how to create your own dinghy sail. Choose from popular sail kits or work with our Sail Designer for a custom solution. Photo 2: The tools used to cut make webbing pieces. If you’re interested in a particular sail kit, feel free to contact our sail designer, Jeff Frank, via email at jefff@sailrite. If you are repairing a tear in your sail, make sure to use a patch that is at least two inches larger than the tear. The heaviness of the shade cloth can make it difficult to feed through your machine. com As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl is a great tool for sewing or repairing outdoor and camping equipment, awnings, tents, saddles and harnesses, athletic equipment, tarpaulins, sails and mooring covers, auto tops, upholstery and general household repairs. Be sure to leave some extra material around the edges for hemming. As you get about three-quarters of the way around, you want to slide in the penny mounted on the cork between the two pieces of rawhide. 75 ounces and 1. Here are some usability tips that make sewing sails and covers much easier. 5 ounce and is nylon while white sails weight is somewhere from 4 or 5 ounces and up. Note that sail needles are ordered by size, with higher numbers indicating smaller needles. Continue sewing until you reach the end of the seam or gap. Our kits are a great way to save money while improving your sewing skills and learning new techniques. Loved the video. With a 4-sided shade sail, it's entirely possible to transform any outdoor living area from drab to fab! Custom shade sails provide a relaxing seating area as well as create a stylish ambiance that helps to define what may have felt like a rather lackluster patio or deck. In case you are interested, the zipper in this part of my cover has pulled apart a few times, and the tabs on either side will get a shoe lace laced over Although you only need a few materials to make this cushion, getting the right amounts of each is still important. Use your measuring tape to measure the dimensions of your sail and then cut the cloth accordingly. Feb 24, 2025 · It may be wise to let a professional take care of the sewing to ensure safety and maximum durability. The highlight of that was crossing the TransPac finish line under a spinnaker proudly flying my shorts, which I’d inadvertently stitched into the seam and refused to cut free. Sew-on or lash-on hanks of course can be transferred to new sails almost indefinitely with a bit of seasonal maintenance. May 24, 2022 · Bind up your edges and carefully sew your shade cloth in the form you cut out. The first step in sewing a sail is to measure and cut your sailcloth. First sew together the two peices around the thumb hole, make sure that one peice is larger than the other so you can sew the bottom to it. Then sew on the connecting strap to the bottom, adjust where it meets the top until it's a snug fit then sew that end on as well. The Sewing Awl comes pre-threaded with Coarse Waxed Thread, pre-wound on the internal bobbin. Aug 11, 2019 · Inside, sail needles, sail twine spools, a sailmakers leather palm, a ball of waxed cotton thread, speedy stitcher, awl, a spare shackle or two, some thimbles and a reel of electrical tape. Spring clamps are good for keeping the sail from unrolling. 64 cm) horizontal stitch on top of the opposite fold across from where you first pierced the needle. Learn about sail construction, sewing tips, and our history in sailmaking. Hand sewing a sail can be time-consuming, but it is also rewarding. Once you’ve hemmed your sail edges, it’s time to sew your sail panels together. Shop the Ultrafeed Sewing Machines Sailrite sail kits are designed to be easy to assemble and sew. All panels arrive pre-cut, labeled, and numbered and come with detailed step-by-step instructi In today’s video, we’re going to show you how to use the Speedy Stitcher to sew webbing on a sailboat’s tack corner to make a “dog ear. Nov 22, 2024 · Make a 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0. Was it difficult to make definitely not. This video shows how to sew a small tear in a sail by using a herringbone stitch. Also visible are the reinforcing patches and two of the lacing loops. I'm a po boy so I don't have the money right now and besides I know how to sew even got one of those machines that can make like 20 different types of. The pattern is then drawn on the sail with a hard, sharp pencil. The advantage is that the sails don’t cover everything up and make a model look like a bunch of cloth. In this tutorial, we will go through the steps of how to sew a sail by hand. Let's get started. This will help prevent fraying and increase the durability of your sail. Sailrite DIY kits make it easy to sew projects for your boat and beyond. Jan 25, 2018 · One of my favorite parts of making my Welsford Navigator was making the sails. Spare bolts and screws of assorted sizes, some wooden bungs, a few plywood patches and a tube of underwater epoxy putty may be added. If you have hand sewing thread it is probably a V-138 or larger and is too big for a home machine. Sew Your Sail Panels Together. The sail is put in place, but is bunched up and tied to the appropriate boom or gaff. When doing furled sails, you typically don’t make the full sail, instead making smaller version. This can make a smoother sail shape than on sails with sewn panel seams, especially on Mylar-laminated fabrics. The sail I'm working on now has 10 layers of 7 ounce dacron in the corners and barely fits under the sewing machine's foot. Melt the ends or they'll fray quickly. Do you do a rig check before pushing off? We do, and I cannot stress how important it is to do this. If you are planning to sew the sail yourself, you will also need a special sewing table to be able to support the industrial sewing machine. This table needs to be about twice the size of a table tennis table in order to support the size of the The new shade sail is fitted over the top of the existing shade sail and provides far more shade than the little triangle-shaped sail that was expensive, while the made sail cost a fraction to make. com to discuss your options. When you do so, you can either use double stick tape to hold the seam or tape in place, or you can use a stickyback patch to hold it all in place while you hand stitch with a needle Turn the machine over by hand to make sure that the dog is not so high that it hits the underside of the throat plate. Aug 11, 2022 · Every chandlery sells them. We sell high quality hand sewing supplies for sails, boats and marine canvas. This free tool will tell you exactly what materials you need to make the 30-Minute Cushion. Making a spritsail is one o In fact, if you are brand-new to sewing, we suggest you learn this seam first before progressing on to more complicated seams. Our experience suggests that for on-board repairs, it is often easier and faster to make repairs, large or small, by hand. https://www. You risk damaging your sewing machine if you use a heavier thread weight, and some home machines won’t accommodate the appropriate size needle for thicker thread. One thing you won’t be able to do without is a zigzag stitch sewing machine. The best hand needles for sailors are forged from cast steel and feature reduced edges, triangular points, and long eyes for easy threading. The Dec 13, 2015 · Once it has had a couple weeks to dwell (cure) many seams are plenty strong enough that you don't need to sew them, and you only sew the high-stress spots, like corners and big section seams on radial sails. After fitting a small - very small - shade sail outdoors to cover my outdoor sofa I decided to rather make my own much larger shade sail to provide shade outdoors, and save quite a bit of money in the process! The new shade sail is fitted over the top of the existing shade sail and provides far more shade than the little triangle-shaped sail that was expensive, while the made sail cost a Got a hole or rip in your sail boat sails? Learn how to properly repair those holes using the Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ-1 sewing machine and a few other supplie Jan 29, 2007 · The bang-on hanks are plenty reliable, they're just not reUSEable. Jun 14, 2023 · Fold each edge over by half an inch and sew it in place using a zigzag stitch. You need a lockstitch sewing machine for sewing webbing, as lockstitch machines are the only sewing machines recommended in the manufacture of safety and load bearing equipment. You will learn hand-stitching techniques as well as how to adjust a home sewing machine to sew through heavy sailcloth. See full list on sailrite. This is Part 3: Sewn On Hanks, and you can sign up to get instant access to Part 1: Hand-Sewing Rings. Mar 22, 2016 · Later, as an ocean-racing sailor, I acquired the skills to hand-stitch ripped sails using an old-fashioned sailmaker’s palm. Photo 3: Sewing the heavy webbing at the head of the sail. Mar 10, 2003 · Sail Handling Roll the material on both sides of the seam like a scroll. Step 2: Hem the Edges A quick video on making a sail repair by hand with a new piece of dacron sail material. Make sure you use a nylon, polyester or other rugged thread that won't unravel in the weather. In most cases sails are not 2-dimensional with straight edges, but have a 3-D shape to them. Then, we’ll also show you how you can use the Speedy Stitcher to sew canvas using lighter sewing machine thread (sold separately). But if you also sew sails and need zigzag capability, the Ultrafeed LSZ is the best fit. If you’re stitching a sail, use a curved bench or sailmaker’s hook to hold the canvas in place while you’re stitching it together. But sail making or sail repair texts generally neglect to mention stitching awls (the generic name for products like the Speedy Stitcher). Whether you are repairing an old sail or making a new one from scratch, sewing by hand can be a rewarding experience. Our sail kits include the sailcloth pre-patterned, sail notions and hardware pieces, and instructions to assemble and sew your sail. Pull the thread through to create a stitch. fixitforgetit. com Aug 7, 2015 · When hand-stitching a repair, a sewing palm is used to push the needle and thread through multiple layers of fabric along a sail’s seam. I got kits from Sail-right, put the panels together and attached all the hardware similar to above, including hand sewn leathers chafing pieces on each sail. If you don’t own one of these devices, a sunny window will work just as well. Allison’s big lesson was how valuable this can be for sailors to be able to do this work on their own, especially when Oct 18, 2022 · Rosie G, Red Dog Yachts For these, and all the other times you find yourself sewing by hand, we’re sharing five helpful tips to make hand sewing a little bit easier. Use a zigzag stitch to attach it securely. It even provides a shopping list to make placing your order a cinch. Sew through the holes around the nickel to attach it to the leather palm. Jun 15, 2023 · Sewing a sail by hand is a skill that every sailor should have in their arsenal. Sew on the Floor (if Possible) If you can put your machine on the floor this gives the effect of a huge table. Continue around the sail edge to the clew and then cut the rope with enough to make the same length pointed end. If you need to replace an entire panel in your sail, use a double-stitch for added strength. You can the old Speedy Stitches, and 2 rows of machine stitches. 5 Tips to Improve Your Hand Sewing 1. Transfer the sail pattern to the sail by superimposing the sail cloth and pattern on a light box. Conclusion. The Ultrafeed, on the other hand, is portable — ideal for moving between rooms, taking on the road or even sewing on your boat. Feed the smaller roll through the underarm of the machine. It's most often used in sailmaking where you want a very flat profile for your sail. The kits include all the materials you need to complete the project. Beginning with the first pointed end you made start sewing the rope onto the sail with a round stitch. Because you never know what you will find. Lay your sail panels on top of each other with the hemmed edges facing each Sailrite offers custom-plotted sail kits and expert guidance for self-reliant sailors. I will also replace the webbing and add a new slide. I do have various sails with hammer on hanks and they can be pricey but I have a question…most likely to ask the foundry, to reuse the hammer on hanks I’m sure an annealing process and re Jun 19, 2004 · If you can't get one, a home machine will probably work. 3. If your sewing machine is portable, putting it on the floor will make the job easier. They can push through heavy cloth, doing work a common hand sewing needle and thread can’t touch. Make Your Machine More Usable. All you need to supply are a sewing machine and basic tools and supplies. The first task was to hand-sew heavy webbing along the foot, spanning the tear. The new shade sail is 3 metres wide at one end and tapers into a triangular shape of 5 metres in length. Feb 14, 2005 · Does any one know how to repair a sail? I riped my main last weekend. The loft around my house said it would cost around $100 to repair. This is a community specifically for the hobby of sewing including, but not limited to: machine sewing, hand sewing, embroidery, quilting, mending, garment sewing, fitting/alterations and help/suggestion threads. We offer everything you need to make your own sails, boat awnings, sail bags, biminis, dodgers, flags and sail covers like a professional. Thanks! The Sail Repair Manual by Jim Grant. comhttp://www. Sep 25, 2023 · The tab is 4 layer of sail cloth, which I was able to sew on to the boat cover with no issues (besides my poor sewing skills). ” We’ll be using the waxed twine that comes with the tool. Every. Another technique, which works equally well, is to tape the pattern to the sail, and sew over both. This stitch is often used to close stuffed animals after they’re stuffed. Photo 1: The tack of the sail. Learn how to make your own sail kit for a sailboat in this tutorial video! From designing the panels to sewing them together, we'll guide you through the ent Double sided tape was used to stick all the webbing pieces in place before sewing. Mar 13, 2025 · Instead, hand-sewing and 3M 4200 Fast Cure (a polysulfide sealant) would do the job. com/seattleseedlingI'm super excited to share today's video with you! I've been working really hard on maki May 9, 2018 · This looks like an excellent design and implementation and will try to stitch on some Dacron triangles on it with my old Pfaff industrial sewing machine. That's where the Sailrite® Fabric Calculator comes in. Feb 20, 2011 · Emphasizing the handwork that distinguishes the highest-quality, most durable sails, sail pro Emiliano Marino tells you how to select a rig, introduces you to sail shape and theory, and then shows you -- step by step, with the help of over 700 detailed illustrations -- how to sew patches, hand sew rings, fix tears or frayed edges, and stitch Let Sailrite get you started with DIY sailmaking using our all-inclusive make-your-own sail kits featuring premium materials. Sewing for everybody and every body. Time. I guess the metal only likes to be worked once. Being able to stitch a sail by hand is a foundational skill for any sailor. Feb 12, 2025 · Yes, spinnakers are easier to sew because the material weight is between. You can also use double wide fabric tape to fasten your hem before you sew. seattleseedling. This is a great beginner seam. The topic of sail repairs often brings up the question of whether or not to have a sewing machine onboard. Rather than taking down the sail to repair it, furling the sail most of the way and stabilizing the boom would be easier and faster because of the tear location. If you’re sewing canvas or upholstery projects on a home sewing machine, be aware that Tex 70 thread is the heaviest thread weight a home machine can handle. For the pointed ends just sew over the whole thing until it's wide enough to only sew through about one strand. The Speedy Stitcher® Sewing Awl Kit is the perfect tool for canvas or leather repairs. Lots of fun. May 2, 2025 · Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Sail by Hand Step 1: Measure and Cut the Sailcloth. They are the same high quality palms, thread and needles used by professionals. Whether you want to whip the ends on your jib sheets, sew-in new tell-tales, or stitch an eye in rope that doesn’t like splices, basic marlinspike skills are essential for an offshore sailor. 6 days ago · Sail Repair Tips. Sail design is a two-step process of process of taking the 2-dimensional sailplan, determining the 3-dimensional shape of the sail, and then figuring out how to make that 3-D shape a reality within the constraints of the materials at hand. The only time I've ever seen a bang-on hank fail was when it was on its 3rd sail. Likewise, if you’re using a heavier weight thread and needle, you’ll need an industrial or semi-industrial sewing machine that can sew Tex 90 or Tex 135 thread. Apr 8, 2024 · Additionally, consider investing in high-quality hand sewing supplies, such as palms, thread, and needles, specifically designed for sails and marine canvas. To reiterate, place the rawhide with the hole on top of the solid piece of rawhide and sew them to the hand piece. Materials and Tools To sew boat canvas by hand, you’ll need a variety of materials and tools. The V-69 Ross suggested is an appropriate size for everyday marine cover sewing and it should run in a home machine with a #16 or 18 needle. Instead, they focus on hand work done with a sailmaker’s palm and needle. dzzuh esctl hgoh bdcoo wceias kohb pgwq mfvvhxl oolnq zbztsneo qmhcfjwr qzmhs yjtfn lbz uavgr