Sailmaking thread

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davidfox

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Anyone know where I can get some sailmaking thread suitable for light dinghy sailcloth, and for use in a domestic sewing machine, (uv resistant etc) I have tried using the thread in the sail repair kits but they bung the system up

Thanks
 
Tips for using a sewing machine.
Use the largest needle you can.
Use the correct thread with a long stitch length.
Use double sided adhesive tape(6 or 9mm wide) when hemming and joining pieces together.
Use a teflon coated foot if the material drags.
Practice first on small samples.
Good Luck!
 
I get thread from my local fabric supply shop. It is described as furnishing or upholstery thread and is polyester and heavier than ordiany sewing thread.
Tips on using the sewing machine. Practice on scrap.
You need to understand that there are 2 sources of thread each with their own frction device. The obvious one through the needle and the other on the lower bobbin.
The friction needs to be equal to get a good stitch and suitably tight. You will break thread and pucker fabric if it is too tight
Too loose just doesn't look right.
The effect of the equal tension is that the two threads lock one another inside the fabric. ie if the bottom is too tight you get a straight thread across the fabric with the top thread obviously looped around the bottom.
A Zig Zag stitch will show very easily because on one side you will see a near straight thread with the other going out around it.
Anyway patience is what you need. If it is not working correctly then check the thread path through the tensioner on top.
good luck
olewill
 
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