I just got an old sewing machine and I wanted to try to repair some damaged kites.
What kind of thread should I use ?
I watched a video some time ago , the only thing I remember was to stay away from cotton.
I was thinking of using some thin braided fishing line, if I can get it to run in the machine.
what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
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edt
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
polyester sail thread v92 or v69. v69 is a little thinner both weights are ok
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windmaker
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
Polyester sail thread, V46 for canopy (rip stop), mostly V69 for leading edge Dacron parts), few brands V 92 (North/Best/Core)
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FLandOBX
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
Also make sure it's UV resistant (should be if it's "sail" thread).
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foilholio
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
Nylon thread both stronger and cheaper than polyester but not as UV resistant, it's a repair... Just match size to the stitching on the kite. Buy from a furniture repair supplier.
Those sailrite prices are very expensive. You could buy dyneema thread cheaper than those polyester prices.
Those sailrite prices are very expensive. You could buy dyneema thread cheaper than those polyester prices.
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marlboroughman
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
For the canopy I use V30 polyester which is the original stuff. Four reasons: it is thin(thus small needle) strong doesn't melt in the Sun and doesn't stretch. The problem with Nylon is that if you set the machine to high tension, it will stretch and wrinkle the ripstop.
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foilholio
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
Maybe because I have mainly sewn foils, but I have never used high tension on the fabric. I would have thought thinner thread would put more pressure on the stitch holes. Like more likely to cut the fabric when stressed? That's one reason that stopped me from using dyneema/spectra on fabric. Would be interesting to see some tests on different threads and thread sizes and what is stronger.
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Bille
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Re: what type of thread is recommended for kite repairs?
I made a living from doing sail repair on HG's in the 80's ; my repair would OUTLAST the glider. Iffoilholio wrote:Nylon thread both stronger and cheaper than polyester but not as UV resistant, it's a repair...
...
your repair isn't going to last as long as the serviceable life of the kite, (then WHY bother) ?
2'nd -- i don't let Cheap , be a motivation for a purchase ; other factors are added in ; in the case
sailright, they cut the parts for the sail on my Hobie-21se , (saving me hundreds) over buying a
new sail from a maker , so the buck they make on thread is OK with me.
Bille