Sail repair

[Neil]

I have a very small (0.5 x 3 cm) hole in my mainsail due to a bit of chaffing when it was caught between the mast stay and the boom. Jeckel's very kindly sent me a bit of matching off-cut and some thread (though the thread is finer that what is used for the sails). However it is very slippery stuff. I've cut a strip to cover the hole each side, folded around the foot, but keeping it in place while I sow is awkward. I thought to stick it in place and then sew, but it occurred to me that some sort of double-sided adhesive tape or iron-on strip might be the better way to go rather than sewing - there'd be no strain on the patch, it's more to stop it spreading or for cosmetic appearance. Is there a specific product out there?

 

[PeteCooper]

For such a small hole I would normally just use sail repair tape - which is sticky on one side - cut a piece for each side and press it on - I always cut the corners round rather than square as they seem to stay on better. If you are determined to stitch it I would suggest using sail repair tape to hold your patch in place as you stitch it.

 

[Fantasie 19]

For such a small hole I would normally just use sail repair tape - which is sticky on one side - cut a piece for each side and press it on - I always cut the corners round rather than square as they seem to stay on better. If you are determined to stitch it I would suggest using sail repair tape to hold your patch in place as you stitch it.

+1

 

[Neil]

I'm not determined to stitch it - the reverse, in fact, but I do want to use the matching material that I have. A google search threw up 3M 5200 adhesive/sealant - anybody with any experience of this?

 

[Woodlouse]

5200 is the strongest stickiest substance on earth just about. Like Sikaflex only worse.

If you're stitching can't you use a couple of pins to hold the patch in place whilst you start sewing? Once you've got the first few stitches in place it doesn't matter if the rest of the material can move about as you'll gradually stitch it down in place as you go along.

 

[electrosys]

I'd use iron-on tape as No.1 choice if it's acceptable.
But - if you're determined to sew, try using Prit Stick or similar to hold the patch in place while you run it under the sewing machine.

 

[Neil]

it occurred to me that some sort of double-sided adhesive tape or iron-on strip might be the better way to go rather than sewing - there'd be no strain on the patch, it's more to stop it spreading or for cosmetic appearance. Is there a specific product out there?

I'd rather not sew, actually.

 

[prv]

I use pritt-stick to hold fabric in place while sewing. I started doing it with the badges on my Cubs shirt and have done so ever since None of that sewing has included sails, but I don't see why it shouldn't work.

Pete

 

[Iliade]

Aviation sail lofts often use double sided tape specific for the purpose. It is quite like the very thin carpet tape but clear/white and in ~5-10 mm widths. I would avoid glues as they may well discolour in time.

'Proper' repairs are done by folding the edges of the patch, sewing in place, then opening out the hole to fold back its edges, rather like a French seam. (not the best description - Google it.) Doing it this way means that you could nail the patch and the sail to a small board, then once the outer seam was sewn, remove the nails and complete the job (this really is how microlight sails are made!)

 

[Seagreen]

I assume that the hole is in a single layer of cloth in the bunt of the sail, not near any reinforcing patches. OK, sail repair tape either side which will cover the hole. Try and leave a 1/2 inch width (16mm) overlap around the hole and sew with a zigzag machine. A single layer of cloth can be easily sewn with a domestic machine, and any robust polycotton thread will do, assuming you will take the sail for servicing sometime in the next 3 years. Done.

 

[Iliade]

We also use black self adhesive sailcloth of a 'mainsail' type weight for letters and logos - try your nearest flexwing microlight workshop for offcuts. As it would be an 'anti-chafing' patch the colour shouldn't matter ;0)

 

[wilkinsonsails]

We use a double sided tape to secure the patch before sewing.If it's a matching Dacron material ,you would be better off asking for a couple of feet of Venture tape and then only minimal stitching would be required .If you want a whole roll Kayospruce Ltd sell it.
Cindy

 

[electrosys]

I'd use iron-on tape as No.1 choice if it's acceptable.
But - if you're determined to sew, try using Prit Stick or similar to hold the patch in place while you run it under the sewing machine.

I'd rather not sew, actually.

Think I should clarify my earlier post:

I'd use iron-on tape as No.1 choice if a temporary repair is acceptable.
But - if you're determined to make a permanent repair, try using Prit Stick or similar to hold the patch in place while you run it under the sewing machine.

 

[WayneS]

......it occurred to me that some sort of double-sided adhesive tape or iron-on strip might be the better way to go rather than sewing.......

I have watched a sailmaker using double sided tape to hold things in place before sewing. So I guess if it is good enough for them.....

 

[Searush]

Pins or tacking thread (a few large, loose stiches) are the tailer's techniques. Are you trying to machine it? If so a few hand sewn tacking stitches will do the job.