Stitch in time

[stevesales]

I would be most interested to know what the Great and Good (Ha!) out there consider is needed for a serious sail mending kit AND where you get the bits and also instructions re not sewing your finger to the leech.

 

[TigaWave]

A good way to start is to go to a sail makers and ask them to put together a kit for you, they have a very good idea of what wears out and will suuply you with thread needles and cloth.
Double sided tape and good quality sticky back sail cloth.

Useful technique to learn is using two needles, one on each end of a piece of waxed thread (I learnt this as a saddlery apprentice many years ago) and use an awl to make the holes then you dont need a palm to push the needle through and you have less chance of ending up with a needle in your hand.

First use good narrow double sided tape to hold joint together (get it from sail maker) use awl to make hole then pass one needle through, even up the thread, make next stitch hole with awl and pass one needle through one way and then the next needle through the other way...keep going.

Trick to attaching thread to needle, thread through eye (leave a good 2-3 inches loose), then pass the needle through the thread tail (the loose end) and pull tight.

With practice you can stitch 1/4 inch thick leather holding two needles and sharp awl without injury....practice helps.

 

[stevesales]

Thanks, that's very helpful.
Sorry if I'm thick but I've not quite got the threading needle bit, are you saying to split the tail end of the thread with the needle? Surely it will just unravel and pull out?

 

[TigaWave]

Yep...split the tail end and pull tight, the split thread then runs down over the needle and over the thread, and grips as its waxed.. Otherwise the friction of a waxed thread often pulls the thread from the needle. Go and find a saddler and watch them for a bit, they also use a neat clamp held between the knees that holds the work vertically in front of you.

Hopefully you wont need to do too much but its worth keeping on top of the wear and tear.

 

[stevesales]

Thanks again.
I understand the principle.
There is an extraordinary depth of knowledge and skills on this website.

ps Swedish Boats are built by the Swiss Navy.;;;;