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Dennist3 · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:08 pm Post subject: ending threads

all you kite builders out there lets here your ideas...

how do you end threads?

also related item..I read in the reverse applique story in kiting a lil while back and it said to back stich with straight stich not to use a zig-zag because it won't hold....

any thought on this?

Dennis

Progcraft · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 8:44 pm Post subject:

I cut them. I don't compete, so I don't need a 1/2 point. And, more importantly, I greatly fear putting hot things near a finished sail. Nope, won't do it. Smile

P.
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Dorsal · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 9:10 pm Post subject:

For any visible end to a seam line, I hand tie a (2 loops on the bottom, 2 loops on top) square knot, then use my cautery cutter to burn them off. If the end will be inside another seam, I just tuck the ends in.
PS - I'm sure (k)notty Ronda knows the proper name for that knot - it's called an articulated something-or-other, I think. Rolling Eyes

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"The wind is the perfect reminder of God.
The only way we can prove it exists is by observing the things it affects. "
Dennis
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mhartzel · Posted: Tue Apr 13, 2004 10:05 pm Post subject:

I usually keep a lighter nearby. I trim to about a half inch, light, then blow it out as it nears the sail... haven't burned thru a sail yet.
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knotronda · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:33 am Post subject:

Anyone new to sewing would want to practice the 'burn & blow' method before actually doing it on a finished project.

Dorsal, I'm not sure of the two loops on top and the two loops on the bottom reference. There is a surgeon's knot that has two turns on the first cross over and then a regular cross over like the ending of a square knot. Was that what you meant by "two turns"?

I would recommend pulling the loose thread to the back of the kite and then doing the Surgeon's knot on the back. Trim very close to the knot. You could also put a very small dab of super glue on the knot if you want to be really sure it stays locked in place.

I am sure there are other ways to finish off a seam so you will be hearing from other kitemakers with their ideas. Take the one(s) that make sense to you and use them. Practice will convince you of what you like the best.

knot(tier)ronda

KiteSquid · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 7:21 am Post subject:

The knot you are referring to Ronda is a Ligature knot, often misnamed the Surgeons knot. And sense Dorsal is melting down the threads it should be very secure.

I do something so similar to what Dorsal does, but I put a KiteSquid’s Kite Skin Protector® on the threads before getting close to it with my kite line cauterizer pen.
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KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
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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: 598 Location: San Diego

I end threads by posting a lengthy reply containing a hijack or lame joke.

Embarassed

Oh, the other thread... A lighter does the job. The little blob serves as a knot. I also go over my stuntkites with a lighter to knock back all the fraying caused by my skillful flying. No show kites in my bag!

Stan

Dennist3 · Posted: Wed Apr 14, 2004 11:39 am Post subject:

OH Stan...thank you....What a great line....
you made my day!

Dennis

knotronda · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 12:46 am Post subject:

Stan, you are so funny I forgot to laugh!! (no I didn't, hahaha) Very good on the intro. I wish I had thought of it.

knot(tier)ronda

Harold,

Yes you caught my error. It is the Ligature Knot!!! Ligature Knot!!! Ligature Knot!!! (If I say it enough times, I might remember it. But, I will probably make the same mistake again. My only consolation is that you are watching over me. Thanks.

Love ya,
knot(tier)ronda - again!

Dorsal · Posted: Thu Apr 15, 2004 9:56 pm Post subject:

Honestly, using the thread I got from Hang-em-High, I found the Ligature knot to be a little wanting. Sometimes it would come untied after I burned the ends off. Since then, I double-wrap the bottom loops AND the top. Maybe it's related to the slickness of the Dacron thread, but it works better for me. And yes, melting the ends (preferably down over the knot) helps even more. Wink

_________________
"The wind is the perfect reminder of God.
The only way we can prove it exists is by observing the things it affects. "
Dennis
AuctionSniper.com