Congratulations Kevin you just got me to sit and watch a 27 minute video about a sewing machine - and I enjoyed it. I am never going to use one but hey ho.😉⛵️🤣
Thanks Sharon. All the tips will work on a Sailrite. They are the most popular machine for cruisers, bar none. It's a nice mix of compact design and good power.
I was pulling my hair out trying to get my tension correctly. No problem in two layers of sunbrella, but a nightmare in multiple folds. I was using a needle that was too small (#20) going to a #22 solved all my issues. Thank you!
Hi Rick. What kind of boat is that? I've tried it before, but depending on the staple they can damage the fabric if the staples aren't sharp enough. Anyway, we have a ton of pins in the box. And thanks so much for being with us.
@@SailingTalisman Hi Kevin - nice to see y'all back after a little break! Really enjoy your channel. The boat is a classic Lightning - it's actually a friend's boat - 1940's era. I have 2 newer Lightnings - one "classic" 1967 & a modern one. Good point about the fabric damage with staples - whenever I use them it's always on the outside edge of the seam so any picks, etc. are not on the the "business" side of the canvas.
I've never seen a zigzag compound feed walking foot you referenced. My experience is that lock stitch machines can only deflect the needle on one axis, either forward and reverse in the case of needle feed, or left and right for a zig zag. I can't imagine needle to hook geometry that could compensate for both zigzag and needle feed.
A four-point zig-zag sailmaking machine is something to see. The motion is so fast you can't see the needle. It's a blur. And in the end if you look closely you'll see four stitches on each leg of the zig-zag, which is usually of a large size, say 3/8" to 1/2" wide pattern. You might not be able to envision it, but someone else did.
Why not make the long middle window a roll- up, sewn at the top, with velcro at the sides and bottom. That will let the draft through. I can send you a photo if required.
Hi Nicholas. Thank you for the kind note. As you would imagine, we're already committed to the arrangement I showed at the end of the video, but believe me when I say that we looked far and wide at various designs. And there's no shortage of choices around. As for why, I really like being able to put the spray hood down entirely. It makes for clear views when we're at anchor, and the wind comes through cleanly. Also, using the zippers and the ties is just a bit more work, and one more zipper that wants to seize up as the little pin inside the pull gets rusty. Yes, we can lube that and keep it working, but all of this led to the design we chose. But to each their own. And thanks for watching and being with us.
HI, yes great video. I'm looking to buy a new sewing machine for making a spray hood. I see you have a Juki. Can you tell me what model it is and whether you looked at any other models too? I don't really know where to start, but notice in comments mention of Sailrite. I'm based UK. Thanks.
Hi Amanda. Ours is a Juki 241 I believe, and we bought it used in Denver many years ago. Coleman tents and Samsonite used to be based in Denver and there are a lot of these machines kicking around on the local market. There are other similar machines out there, but this one has proven to be very reliable. However, it's heavy, and not well suited to life on a boat due to the table and large motor drive, and this is where the Sailrite machines come in. Sailrite took what I would call an 80% full-on professional machine and set it up to be lighter and portable. It's still heavy because of the cast iron body, but it's a walking foot machine and stores in a small case. Now there's a difference between the compound walking foot of the Juki (a straight stitch only machine) and the Sailrite models, which come in straight stitch and zig-zag models. In this, a compound walking foot machine has the needle, top foot, and bottom foot all step forward at the same time to grab the fabric and pull it back when completing the stitch. With the needle pinning both/all pieces of fabric together, it's near impossible to have variations in stitch length. This is how you get the professional stitch look that you see commercially. Now I would call Sailrite and talk to one of their sewing machine salespeople, or even the owner, about their new machines. I say this because I notice changes in the look of the product, and while the old version had the top and bottom foot movement, the needle didn't "walk" like the Juki and other commercial machines. This may have changed, so best to ask. Also, given a choice, I would take a zig-zag machine as you can always set the zig-zag setting to "zero", which is straight stitch. The industry doesn't communicate this feature well (confirm this with Sailrite too, but it's always been this way with other machines). Zig-zag is what you use in repairing sails, so important for the sailor to have this. The two versions at Sailrite are similarly priced, so that's nice. Anyway, I hope this helps. BTW, Sailrite sells all sorts of other machines these days, and is a good source for a known-good product. If buying locally in the UK, be aware that compound walking foot machines run from very light duty, (lace and taffeta) to heavy duty models like the 241 which are designed for leather and heavy canvas materials. You obviously want the latter. If shopping used, Google the model you're looking at and see what the manufacturer says the ideal useage to be. Hope this helps.
Does Sailrite have a 4 point zig zag compound walking foot? I took a look at the Sailrite website but don't know what I'm looking for as I haven't sewed for decades. All I'll be doing with the machine is making canvas covers like your doing. I'll be keeping it aboard my boat and rather than paying someone to do canvas work for me, I'll save that money and put it into a nice machine instead. Is your Juki an off brand of Sailrite where you can purchase Sailrite parts and they will fit on your machine? Sailing Life on Jupiter also had a video or two about sewing machines. That video got me thinking about getting one to save money and doing the work myself. Do you keep the sewing machine aboard your boat or do you keep it at your home?
Hi Robert. Not sure what Sailrite has these days, but it might be worth looking for an industrial sewing machine dealer. You might have to special order it. As for Sailrite's machines, it's actually Sailrite that rebrands the machines and sells them under their own name. Juki is one of the bigger brands, but there are others too. We have a small "Heavy Duty" machine on board made by Singer, but it's not very heavy duty in my opinion. It's used mostly by Wendy when we have some sort of clothing repair, and could probably do a bit of canvas work in an emergency. Sailrite's LSZ-1 (Blue) machine is probably the best compromise for a machine that's to be kept on a boat. The big machines like ours need a table and motor and all this stuff that can't be easily packaged as a single unit the way the LS series machines can. That would be the best way to go.
Intriguing. Now I understand sewing machines. Cool, thanks Kevin!
Thanks Greg.
Excellent video packed with lots of information. Thanks Kevin.
You bet Johnny. Thanks for watching.
Congratulations Kevin you just got me to sit and watch a 27 minute video about a sewing machine - and I enjoyed it. I am never going to use one but hey ho.😉⛵️🤣
Wow, thanks!
Missed you guys. Good to see you back.
Thanks so much.
Great to see you back, missed your videos
Thanks Michael.
Thank you Kevin! I recently bought a used Sailrite machine and am learning to use & maintain it. This video is really helpful.
Thanks Sharon. All the tips will work on a Sailrite. They are the most popular machine for cruisers, bar none. It's a nice mix of compact design and good power.
I was pulling my hair out trying to get my tension correctly. No problem in two layers of sunbrella, but a nightmare in multiple folds. I was using a needle that was too small (#20) going to a #22 solved all my issues. Thank you!
Yeah, there's nothing more frustrating than a sewing machine that's acting up. We're glad you got it sorted.
Yep. Exactly right.
Staples work very well, in many applications, instead of pins.
Hi Rick. What kind of boat is that? I've tried it before, but depending on the staple they can damage the fabric if the staples aren't sharp enough. Anyway, we have a ton of pins in the box. And thanks so much for being with us.
@@SailingTalisman Hi Kevin - nice to see y'all back after a little break! Really enjoy your channel. The boat is a classic Lightning - it's actually a friend's boat - 1940's era. I have 2 newer Lightnings - one "classic" 1967 & a modern one.
Good point about the fabric damage with staples - whenever I use them it's always on the outside edge of the seam so any picks, etc. are not on the the "business" side of the canvas.
Hey Kevin. Nice to see you back! Great lesson on sewing. Thanks!
Thanks Jay. Nothing overly exciting, but good stuff to know I think.
I've never seen a zigzag compound feed walking foot you referenced.
My experience is that lock stitch machines can only deflect the needle on one axis, either forward and reverse in the case of needle feed, or left and right for a zig zag. I can't imagine needle to hook geometry that could compensate for both zigzag and needle feed.
A four-point zig-zag sailmaking machine is something to see. The motion is so fast you can't see the needle. It's a blur. And in the end if you look closely you'll see four stitches on each leg of the zig-zag, which is usually of a large size, say 3/8" to 1/2" wide pattern. You might not be able to envision it, but someone else did.
dude! you can make a wrist worn pin-cushion, you have a sewing machine. you're welcome.
I know. It's kind of stupid. I'll find on in Wendy's sewing kit. She has three minimum.
Why not make the long middle window a roll- up, sewn at the top, with velcro at the sides and bottom. That will let the draft through. I can send you a photo if required.
you would need to send me an email add. for a photo. it's a really good looking dodger...on an Oyster :)
Hi Nicholas. Thank you for the kind note. As you would imagine, we're already committed to the arrangement I showed at the end of the video, but believe me when I say that we looked far and wide at various designs. And there's no shortage of choices around. As for why, I really like being able to put the spray hood down entirely. It makes for clear views when we're at anchor, and the wind comes through cleanly. Also, using the zippers and the ties is just a bit more work, and one more zipper that wants to seize up as the little pin inside the pull gets rusty. Yes, we can lube that and keep it working, but all of this led to the design we chose. But to each their own. And thanks for watching and being with us.
HI, yes great video. I'm looking to buy a new sewing machine for making a spray hood. I see you have a Juki. Can you tell me what model it is and whether you looked at any other models too? I don't really know where to start, but notice in comments mention of Sailrite. I'm based UK. Thanks.
Hi Amanda. Ours is a Juki 241 I believe, and we bought it used in Denver many years ago. Coleman tents and Samsonite used to be based in Denver and there are a lot of these machines kicking around on the local market. There are other similar machines out there, but this one has proven to be very reliable. However, it's heavy, and not well suited to life on a boat due to the table and large motor drive, and this is where the Sailrite machines come in. Sailrite took what I would call an 80% full-on professional machine and set it up to be lighter and portable. It's still heavy because of the cast iron body, but it's a walking foot machine and stores in a small case. Now there's a difference between the compound walking foot of the Juki (a straight stitch only machine) and the Sailrite models, which come in straight stitch and zig-zag models. In this, a compound walking foot machine has the needle, top foot, and bottom foot all step forward at the same time to grab the fabric and pull it back when completing the stitch. With the needle pinning both/all pieces of fabric together, it's near impossible to have variations in stitch length. This is how you get the professional stitch look that you see commercially. Now I would call Sailrite and talk to one of their sewing machine salespeople, or even the owner, about their new machines. I say this because I notice changes in the look of the product, and while the old version had the top and bottom foot movement, the needle didn't "walk" like the Juki and other commercial machines. This may have changed, so best to ask. Also, given a choice, I would take a zig-zag machine as you can always set the zig-zag setting to "zero", which is straight stitch. The industry doesn't communicate this feature well (confirm this with Sailrite too, but it's always been this way with other machines). Zig-zag is what you use in repairing sails, so important for the sailor to have this. The two versions at Sailrite are similarly priced, so that's nice. Anyway, I hope this helps. BTW, Sailrite sells all sorts of other machines these days, and is a good source for a known-good product. If buying locally in the UK, be aware that compound walking foot machines run from very light duty, (lace and taffeta) to heavy duty models like the 241 which are designed for leather and heavy canvas materials. You obviously want the latter. If shopping used, Google the model you're looking at and see what the manufacturer says the ideal useage to be. Hope this helps.
Does Sailrite have a 4 point zig zag compound walking foot? I took a look at the Sailrite website but don't know what I'm looking for as I haven't sewed for decades. All I'll be doing with the machine is making canvas covers like your doing. I'll be keeping it aboard my boat and rather than paying someone to do canvas work for me, I'll save that money and put it into a nice machine instead. Is your Juki an off brand of Sailrite where you can purchase Sailrite parts and they will fit on your machine? Sailing Life on Jupiter also had a video or two about sewing machines. That video got me thinking about getting one to save money and doing the work myself. Do you keep the sewing machine aboard your boat or do you keep it at your home?
Hi Robert. Not sure what Sailrite has these days, but it might be worth looking for an industrial sewing machine dealer. You might have to special order it. As for Sailrite's machines, it's actually Sailrite that rebrands the machines and sells them under their own name. Juki is one of the bigger brands, but there are others too. We have a small "Heavy Duty" machine on board made by Singer, but it's not very heavy duty in my opinion. It's used mostly by Wendy when we have some sort of clothing repair, and could probably do a bit of canvas work in an emergency. Sailrite's LSZ-1 (Blue) machine is probably the best compromise for a machine that's to be kept on a boat. The big machines like ours need a table and motor and all this stuff that can't be easily packaged as a single unit the way the LS series machines can. That would be the best way to go.
@@SailingTalisman Thank you!
Aren’t Sewing Machines amazing inventions
Indeed. When you look at the function and all the moving parts, it truly is amazing.