SEWING MACHINE FOR SAILS
Make your sewing machine for sails more usable
- Sew on the floor
If you can place your sewing machine for sails on the floor, it will create the effect of a huge table. It is not easy on the knees, but work with him will go faster and easier. The right knee rests on the chest and the right foot can be used to control the speed of the machine. Thus, two hands are available to control the fabric and help it pass through the machine.
- Sew parallel seams
Avoid sewing “around” things like windows or decorative pockets, patches or numbers and badges (side note: adhesives have improved to the point where they may not need to be sewn in place). Schedule parallel passes whenever you need to sew. Roll up the tarp at the nearest edge and stitch along the roll. Then roll up and sew another parallel edge. Begin and end each stitch with purl to prevent unraveling. This also helps with very short looks like those found in reef point diamonds.
- Use the “Gradual sewing” technique.
When you have to get a lot of fabric over the arm of the machine, try using the “Pull the Stitch” technique. Stuff the tarp to three or four inches, then sew those three or four inches. Stop sewing and stuff another few inches, then sew again. After all, fabric is flexible – take advantage of that! While this method may take a bit longer than sewing one long seam, the fabric will be much more manageable and your seam lines will be more accurate and consistent because you’re not trying to do everything at once.
EASY STEPS IN DESIGNING SEWING MACHINE FOR SAILS
There are few easy steps in designing sewing machine for sails.
Step1: You need to decide on the size and shape of the shade sails. You need to determine the shape and size that will fit into the shade tarp that will protect your patio. You can normally use geometric shapes of your choice to make shades. Triangles and rectangles are usually easy to cut and simply sew together.
Step 2: You need to measure and cut the fabric. Once you know what shades you want to make and how big or small it needs to be. Time to get a tape measure and scissors. Experiment with cutting the canvas and the heavy fabric you will use for the shades. To get rid of fraying and fraying in your shade sail scene, you’ll want to use sewing machines to create seams along the cut edges of the material.
Step 3: Then you need to install grommets. And in order to install the grommets in the shades, you need to insert the grommet pieces on both sides of the fabric or materials. Make sure the 2 pieces are lined up and if you are careful use the grommet tools to press the 2 pieces of grommets together. On the other hand, it may take some practice to get the hang of it.
Step 4: Decide on a shade support method. You will need to choose a way to support the shade sails above the patio. You can use screw hooks to make sure the two points in the shadow line up with your house and gutters. However, you need to provide shadows with some tree branches. If you need to install a support post, you can use some old piece of pressure treated lumber to make the posts.
Step 5: Finally, you need to install the new shades. After you’ve created the support process, screw in the eye hooks and attach the shades to get the shades you want for your patio.
SEVEN WAYS TO ADD SAILS SAILS SEWING MACHINE
Here are some little-known tips for sewing machine for sails guaranteed to save you big bucks on expensive mainsail and genoa repairs and replacements.
- Check the stitching from head to toe
Check every inch of zigzag and straight stitching for wear or fraying. Concentrate along the edges of the sail, such as the leading edge and leech, where the load on the sail is greatest.
- Mainsails
Mark the worn areas with a pencil. Check each tarpaulin seam for broken stitches. Next to each slide or slug, look at the front hem and leg. Sail hardware causes increased stress on the sail fabric and can lead to wear and tear and weakening of the fabric.
- Headsails
Look for friction along the sole of the foot. With the front sails furled, check the entire front trim. For snap-on sails, check the area of each piston for wear. Circle worn areas with a pencil and repair to increase the life of the sail.
- Wash the salt and dirt off the sails
The salt and dirt on the sheet looks like a mini nail file. Remove these particles and you will extend the life of the sail. Once a season, wash the bedding in a weak solution of water and mild, non-bleaching soap. This makes the stitching strong and flexible.
- Keep your sails dry as a bone!
Make sure you dry the tarps before covering or wrapping them. Otherwise, mold will grow in moist places. If your bed sheet has mold stains, brush the spores with a medium-stiff brush to loosen the spores. Dacron sheets can be soaked in a 1% solution of Clorox and water for 3 hours. Increase the performance of your tarpaulin sewing machine.
- Stopping balance wheel slippage
An increase in power does not necessarily require a new engine. A large part of the penetration ability of a sewing machine is tied to the inertia created by the rotation of the balance wheel. This inertia is wasted if the wheel slips on the shaft. To prevent slipping, remove the single screw in the clutch knob rim that is in the center of the balance wheel.
This screw is to prevent the clutch knob from coming loose when it is loose (when winding the coils). Unfortunately, the screw can also limit how far the knob can be tightened. If the knob can be tightened after removing the screw, the tri-pronged washer under the knob should rotate 180° (remove the knob, pull out the washer, rotate 180 degrees and refit – remember the two prongs facing inwards should be bent away from the machine towards the base clutch knob).
- Increase the inertia of the leveling wheel
Simply tightening the clutch knob can provide all the extra force needed, but if more is needed, try increasing the weight of the balance wheel by wrapping a lead weight with glue (designed for use with magnesium wheels), available at most auto parts stores. The more layers you add, the heavier the wheel will be and the more inertia will allow the needle to penetrate.
INCREASE POWER OF SEWING MACHINE FOR SAILS
Stop Balance Wheel Slippage
Increasing power of sewing machine for sails does not necessarily require a new motor. Much of the penetration capability of a sewing machine is tied to the inertia that is created by the rotation of the balance wheel. That inertia is wasted if there is any slippage of the wheel on its shaft. To prevent slippage, remove the single screw in the rim of the clutch knob that is in the center of the balance wheel.
This screw is intended to prevent the clutch knob from coming off when it is loose (while winding bobbins). Unfortunately, the screw can also limit the extent to which the knob can be tightened. If the knob can be tightened after removing the screw, the three-pronged washer under the knob should be rotated 180° (remove the knob, pull the washer off, rotate 180 degrees and put everything together again — note that the two inward facing prongs should be bent away from the machine toward the base of the clutch knob).
Increase Balance Wheel Inertia
Just tightening the clutch knob may provide all the extra power needed, but if more is required try increasing the weight of the balance wheel by wrapping it with the adhesive backed lead wheel weight material (designed for use with magnesium wheels) that is available at most automotive supply stores. The more layers added, the heavier the wheel will become and the greater the inertia it will afford needle penetration.
IMPROVE THE STITCH QUALITY OF YOUR SEWING MACHINE FOR SAILS
Improving stitch quality and consistency of sewing machine for sails usually means increasing upper thread tension and improving the machine’s ability to accurately feed fabric (reducing the need for user assistance in the feeding process.
- Increase the upper voltage
When sewing thick and tough fabric, a lot of upper thread tension is needed to pull the knot tightly to the bottom of the seam and into the fabric. Changing to a larger needle is one way to improve this problem, as this needle creates a larger hole for the knot to pull into.
However, this should not be taken to extremes, as larger needles require more penetrating power and also because larger holes in the fabric can lead to leaking seams. So it is good to increase the upper voltage if possible.
Many home machines have a limiter in the upper tension knob to prevent more than one turn of the adjustment. On some machines, the knob can simply be pulled out, leaving a small nut that does not have a stop. There may actually be a small tab in the knob that can be removed with side incisors.
Conclusion
These are some simple things that can be done to make sewing machine for sails and canvas easier on your home sewing machine. If you find that your machine just isn’t cutting it, it’s time to look for one that does! When you have to get a lot of fabric over the arm of the machine, try using the “Pull Stitch” technique. Stuff the tarp to three or four inches, then sew those three or four inches.
