I'm going to regret asking this!

[claymore]

Dedicated sailmaking sewing machine

A mate of mine bought one from the 1980 London Boat Show. It was white - can't remember the manufacturer but it was a really neat little thing and sewed seams like a good un. It was'nt electric or anything, white though, well when I say white, a creamy colour really I suppose. Hmm, wish I could remember the name - Walker Satnavs were for sale at the same show for about £1200 I think.

 

[Evadne]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

The only trouble with our one is it runs on 240V AC, which is not widely available on our boat!

 

[Guest]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I know a chap who I'm sure would do a very smart one for you at a very cheap price indeed, I would think for a fraction of the price you were quoted (well, a winter cover for the whole boat was going to cost less than your sail cover!). The only downside is - that he's in Riga. He just serviced my sails and plugged a big rip in the genoa for I think it was 15 quid total incl materials.

Slightly more awkward to organise than in the UK, but budget airlines do fly there, so could be combined with a weekend away...

 

[BigLes]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I bet it's got nothing to do with sail repairs. I bet you picked up some cheap dress patterns from Ebay and are planning on knocking up some new dresses whilst on your world travels!

 

[jerryat]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

We keep a standard 'old fashioned' Singer sewing machine on board whilst cruising and have made everything from dodgers, awnings and cushions, to sail and clothes repairs. Great little machines, cost very little (we have a spare at home) and will tackle up to six layers of sail cloth providing you use the correct needles. Has paid for itself over and over doing jobs for others as well!!

 

[tome]

Forget I ever mentioned it

Ok. TCM has had a quietish word in my ear about the sewing machine and some aspects I may not have fully considered. The sailcoverman gets my dosh, and I will deny everything.

Kim - can you pull my thread? (geddit?)

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Re: Forget I ever mentioned it

A stitch in time saves nine, eh?!

 

[tcm]

yeah ok!

phfffffffffffffff! Consider it forgotten, ahem.

 

[ongolo]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I have used some different machines, two domestic and one industrial. Made 4 hybrid sails between junk and gaff, not used yet. No time to experiment with battens.
Most modern domestic machines such as bernina and elna are said to can sew through leather and canvas. Mine was 400g/sqm, which is quite heavy, ripstop polyester. Machines handled it well, except for the corners of 5 layers, was possible but a bit of a struggle.

Iwas cought and sold polyester yearn that turned out to nylon. nylon deterirates int he sun and is to elestic. Get a machine is my advise. sewing complements my blcksmithing nicely.

regards ongolo

 

[Aja]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I would buy one from your local rag's for sale page. Spend as little as possible and give it a go with scraps of material.

I can use the old one in the loft pretty well, though not something I slip into conversation in the pub....!

Ask around family and friends - they may have an old one going begging.

Youi'll only get the benefit out of an expensive machine if you practice.

Donald

 

[Superstrath]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

I think you may have sussed this by now, but there is more to an industrial sewing machine than the head. I have owned and managed several sewing factories in my time, and the sight of a row of stiches through a finger is not one you forget in a hurry. Buy a wee domestic job.
It's quite easy to sew by hand with a machine-style stitch, if you use a machine needle. You are in control, the result is very strong, and since you are doing this on your boat, you have all the time in the world. We did repairs this way when necessary. It works.

 

[jimi]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

In all seriousness this is something I've considered but how do you learn to use the wretched things .. can't be that difficult surely?

 

[jema]

Re: I\'m going to regret asking this!

boring sensible answer
got 3 sewing mach's, from archaic to modern wizzy

the hand driven elderly singer that i was given as a teenager, will sew anything, from kites to upholstery to leather & canvas

the most important thing you need to understand it there are many different needles for the different materials, very sharp fine for kites / cruiing shutes
triangular section leather needles , that pierce the heaviest canvas/ reinforcing

the best placeto ask for info & needle type is in John Lewis dept stores...they stock all needles
the havent a clue what uv resist thread is thou !!
have fun