Re-sewing rotted threads in canopy

cagey

cagey

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How hard is it, no new panels only re stitching where original thread has rotted.
If possible, I'm a complete novice with sewing machine but learn very quickly, what sewing machine needles and thread should I buy, also any suggestions where to buy , I'm in Cornwall.
Thanks
Keith
 
Almost any sewing machine will do this, tho it may need little help if you are punching through window material. You don't need zig zag.
You only need white thread. Try to scrounge some V69 Dacron from a sailmaker - they may sell you a part used bobbin. Some domestic machines will not take kindly to this weight of thread, in which case use domestic polyester:

http://sewingworld.co.uk/Gutermann_Extra_Upholstery_Thread_100_Metres.html

I am almost sure I bought some of this Guterman stuff at Trago Mills. It is worth a visit anyway their Jeans Needles are good value - buy a few packets while you are there.

It is very easy. One of the main problems is getting the bulk of the cover through the machine, so fold it carefully. Heavy machines are an advantage here. If you have a lightweight it is a good idea to clamp or screw it down to a table.
 
Maybe we could persuade Cindy (aka WilkinsonSails) to repeat the one-day sail repair courses she organised a few years ago! Well worth the moderate fee she charged (which I believe she gave to charity anyway) and a very enjoyable day. I wouldn't mind attending another one.
 
It's worth having a go. I use V69 thread and size 18 needle and can do a strong (if not very tidy) job after a bit of practice. The acrylic canvas is very easy to sew and a domestic machine should manage OK.

Neil
 
I wanted to sew some velcro to headlining material and we went to the local sewing machine shop to buy a needle. They said my wife's nice machine was designed to do fancy stuff and the power was therefore not great and it could well put the timing out and be expensive to mend. They sold me an old simple machine that has a powerful motor and fair whizzed through the task. It was only £49 :) New dodgers next winter and no complaints from wifey about busting her machine - bargain :cool:
 
Depends how long you want it to last.V69 thread is not going to last more than a couple of seasons.If you use a 120 jeans size needle then the machine should take v92 thread, which should give 5 year life in the uk .
iIf the cloth is falling apart then use the thinner thread, but if its sound, don't waste time putting more stitch holes than you need too,by sewing it twice instead of once !
Cindy
 
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If you haven't done this before it could be fraught with problems. As mentioned already, trying to stuff a sprayhood through the orifice of a domestic machine can do more harm than good. Also, hitting the original holes (and thus maintaining the original shape), is a job for man rather than machine.
If you must use the machine, at least tack the original seams by hand every few inches first.
There is a hand tool which mimics machine stitching by using two spools which will give the original finish - and it helps if drawing pins or similar are used to align the original holes beforehand.
Use the best thread you can get - preferably from a canvas shop, and draw it tight when sewing. Sunlight and proud stitching being worn away are the cause of the problem you had to start with.
Finally, if you do use the machine you will probably need to create a large table around it so you can pull the seams in a straight line - I use trestles, B&D bench and 8'x4's !
SN851450.jpg
 
For short runs of perished threads, I use an awl like this one http://www.bosunslockerchandlery.co.uk/819/Speedy-Stitcher-Sewing-Awl.html It's fine for short runs of stiches and produces the same sort of stich as a sewing machine needle.

For longer runs and restiching panels then a robust domestic machine will do the job. As other have said, use a jeans needle (no 120 IIRC). Point North do a range of UV resistant threads here http://www.profabrics.co.uk/snap_product_search.php

Over the past couple of winters we've inserted new vision panels into the sprayhood, made a bimini cover, shade tent and dodgers to name but a few projects. All on a 30 year old Pfaff machine, nothing special at all. The only problem is the moving of canvas through the limited space of the machine. Oh, and all done on the saloon table - needs some forethought and planing to make it work.
 
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