Needles & Thread for hand sewing sail repairs

[Kilo]

Hi all,
Now that I've surfaced from a few google rabbit holes I'm thoroughly confused and could do with some help please.
I'm wanting to repair an old dinghy sail , my attempts at using a machine in the past haven't been gloriously successful so this is most likely to by hand.

I think I need a uv stable polyester thread, but not sure what weight and if there's good solid no nonsense brand that people go to?

TIA

 

[Roberto]

For that size of sail I'd use some V69 thread, it is also available in small spools; Dabond being one brand.

 

[Dantp]

The dabond thread we brought is so far very good. I would use V92, but V69 is likely fine.
The V number is a reference to the thread thickness. V92 is slightly thicker than V69.
V92 Dabond Thread White / Cob
Smaller reels may be available.

 

[wilkinsonsails]

Most small dinghy sails would be seamed up with V69 thread.I would use that and a small hand needle .

 

[PetiteFleur]

Depending on how much you want, Ebay has small bobbins of bonded polyester thread, 20m at £2.99, otherwise I think the small cobs are 400m.

 

[alahol2]

I tend to use these people because they are local. Prices are usually good too.

 

[Kilo]

I tend to use these people because they are local. Prices are usually good too.

Thanks, that's a useful link

 

[Stemar]

Ebay has small bobbins of bonded polyester thread, 20m at £2.99

My nasty suspicious little mind is wondering just how UV-resistant it'd be at that price. Sometimes there's a reason "marine quality" costs more.

 

[Kilo]

My nasty suspicious little mind is wondering just how UV-resistant it'd be at that price. Sometimes there's a reason "marine quality" costs more.

I don't know, ebay quality is definitely very variable but then there are times that the canny buyer can profit from overstocks and the like.
Do you think there's an additional process that some manufacturers will put their polyester products through to increase UV resistance? I've always assumed that polyester is just inherently more resistant than nylon or polyethylene and manufacturers play on that. More fodder for late night research

 

[Stemar]

I really don't know, but I've seen polyester thread disintegrate after a few years of the UK south coast climate while the materiel was still fine. One thing I have learned is to hide zips under a flap, as they definitely don't like UV

 

[Kilo]

I really don't know, but I've seen polyester thread disintegrate after a few years of the UK south coast climate while the materiel was still fine. One thing I have learned is to hide zips under a flap, as they definitely don't like UV

Good tip about zips thanks... Unfortunately though I'm still many painful hrs away from competence with a basic zigzag on a machine let alone zips

 

[wallacebob]

I have a very basic machine. Using a V92 or 69 with a denim needle is usually successful. Lubricate thread with PTFE spray if needed, this also helps needle and spool. Good tension and it’s fine. Otherwise it’s a hand sew!

 

[BobnLesley]

A tip for hand-sewing is to get yourself a 'sewing-awl' and/or some very fine drill bits for your dremel; when you reach an especially thick/layered/heavy section, you can pre-drill a fine hole for the needle

 

[Blueboatman]

A tip for hand-sewing is to get yourself a 'sewing-awl' and/or some very fine drill bits for your dremel; when you reach an especially thick/layered/heavy section, you can pre-drill a fine hole for the needle

Indeed
Before I was able to carry a sewing machine I used to draw a pencil ‘zigzag’ seam along the overlapping bits . Then bang a nail through on each point using a hammer. The needle is then just has to thread the thread.
you can pull it nicely taut , and after finishing the seam, start again on the other side and go back over it . The cloth is now really well clamped .
The only ‘trick’ is to use a nail point only ‘just ‘large enough to pass the needle and thread through ?

 

[Yeoman_24]

V69 polyester thread and if you want to treat yourself get a Speedy Stitcher sewing awl like this.
Great bit of kit that does a 2 sided ‘sewing machine’ type stitch. Have a watch of a couple of videos on YouTube. It really is a great bit of kit. Here is a link to a good YouTube video Speedy Stitcher