Kitebuilder.com

Jason Paul · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 11

Hey guys, we'll I finally decided to post over here. I'm thinking about making my first kite and was wondering what you might recommend for fabric.

I'd like something fairly cheap, but that is still somewhat easy to work with - I'm just learning how to sew. I know Steve has a few fabrics on sale for about $3.00/yd.

Thanks,
Jason

KiteSquid · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 1:21 pm Post subject:

I would recomend starting with any kite fabric...

They all work a little diffrently but are quite simular.

Stay away from fabric store ripstops as they usualy dont have the same coatings as the boat sail type fabrics that you find at Kite Studio.
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KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

Stan · Joined: 18 Nov 2003 Posts: 759 Location: San Diego

Jason,
If you're planning to make any quads, (just a guess) you'd be surprised how well lowpriced .5-.75 ounce nylon works. It gets a bit loose in wet conditions, but shrinks back up when dry.

Stan

Spence602 · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 475 Location: USA TX Houston

Howdy Jason!

What are you planning to build? Question

There are quite a few 'types' of fabrics out there, each one has it's pros & cons. There are a few articles in the KB TechSheets that you should look at regarding fabric. Don't rule out Tyvek as a fabric - it has it's application (just ask Rhonda). Very Happy

IIRC, you've built a SLK using fabric-store nylon, so you've gotten your feet wet already. Right?
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Spence
www.kiteshark.org

Air: Refreshing when stirred up and served cool on a hot day.

Jason Paul · Joined: 25 Nov 2003 Posts: 11

Well, my wife actually did the sewing on that SLK, I just supervised. Very Happy

The only kites I've made completely on my own are a couple of fighters. Very Happy

I was thinking for my first project, I'd make a new sail for my Rev 2, Stan pegged me.

I'm probably going to get the feel for sewing on some regular cotton fabric first, but I'd like to know what would be good to start with.

Spence, you've got some pretty nice looking stuff in the photos! Razz

Jason

wdrwilson · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 2:57 pm Post subject:

Hi Jason,

I think that if you are planning on a new sail for your rev 2 then you should certainly get any of the ripsop nylon seconds that Kite Studio sells. They are great deal a $3-$5/yd. Of course if there is a specific color that you want that isn't available in seconds you may have to get into the 7.75/yd first quality stuff.

Also don't forget to get some 3.9 oz dacron for strengthening those critical points.

Most important thing IMHO... Have fun!, it can be a little frustrating at first but it gets better with time and practice...

Cheers,
Bill

KiteSquid · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:08 pm Post subject:

I would stay away from Cotton fabrics as they handle/sew diffrently than the Nylon or Polyester kite fabrics we normaly use.

Read that as: Less to unlearn.....

Reat that as: It makes your life easyer if you don't learn techniques that dont work well with thin/slick fabrics.
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA

P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Shocked

Doesent he ever shut up???

P.P.S. The wind is like the air, only pushier.

mhartzel · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:18 pm Post subject:

Kitesquid has a point... It would be better to practice sewing on the material that you are going to be using. I made my first kite out of what was claimed to be 'parachute nylon'. Turned out to be uncoated loose weave nylon that stretched in about 6 different directions. WAAAAY different than the Ripstop nylon I use now...
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Mark
Sand, Street or Sky... I love to fly.

- Take back the web.

Spence602 · Joined: 16 Sep 2003 Posts: 475 Location: USA TX Houston

KiteSquid · Posted: Mon Apr 05, 2004 3:54 pm Post subject: