Kitebuilder.com

[rashley]

I just bought a sewing machine and am getting ready to start my first project. I know that a size 14 needle has been recommended, but cant remember what brand was recommended. I have searched the forum and know I saw it before but cant find it now.

I would be greatful if you guys could help guide me with needle and thread selection. I will be using Ripstop nylon for my first projects.

I intend to start with some banners first to practice my sewing and progress to kites after that.

I look forward to your help and suggestions.

Last,, is there an archive that is searchable to find answers without asking too many questions here?

Thanks a million guys ( and gals)
Randy

[kiteguy]

[Dorsal]

Randy, you didn't say what brand of machine it is.
I think anything but Singer can use any brand/style of needle made except Singer, and Singer machines must have Singer-styled needles. Other than that, a new size 14 needle is probably what you need.
If you get the chance, you might try some "Leather / Plasticized Materials" needle. The shank of the needle is shaped differently for the heavier material, and they seemed to leave a smaller hole behind than the "Universal" needles.

[rashley]

[KiteSquid]

I have a Pfaff 1475 and I use Schmetz Jeans needles.

I ues several diffrent sizes of them depending on the job at hand.

I use size 10, 12, 14, 16 and even 18.

MOST of my sewing is with Bonded Polyester thread in size v30. I just tired the new thread that Steve is carring and it worked for me just as well as DaBond does. More to follow....

With the above thread and sewing up to 5 layers of .5 Oz Polyester or .75 Oz Nylon I will use a size 12 needle.

When sewing thru heavy reinforcement I will switch to a 14 or 16 needle and change my bobbin case for the one that I have adjusted for more tension, and I will increase the top tension to match............

SO there is a lot of variables..

I test sew on scraps of the fabric I will use in the kite with the reinforcemnets I will use BEFORE going to the kite!!!!!!!!!!!!

I can throw away scraps but I do NOT want to use a Seam Ripper on a kite IF I can get away with it......
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA


P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Doesent he ever shut up???

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

[Mikeykite]

Hi, all... I have 3 sewing machines and I use the Pfaff 1222 exclusively! Having used every needle on the market, I find the Schmetz needles far superior to the other brands. I also buy my thread from Steve in 4 ounce spools-nylon bonded 33 (the best thread I've found!). The only drawback to the Pfaff is it didn't come with any attachments! So that's when I drag out the old Singer with ALL the attachments! Ha! Ha! I also have a very small portable machine that I've adapted to plug into the auxilliary power supply in the back of my van, and do "on the spot" repairs to kites/foils while visiting out of state festivals. If you don't have a top walking foot on your machine, I find you can just tape the pieces together with the blue painter's tape and just sew through it. Or "hot-tack" it! Hope this helps a little. Mikeykite.....

[skydino]

http://www.gwsms.com/didyouknow.htm

[KiteSquid]

Skydino,

Great advice there!!


Good link!!!!!
_________________
VR/
KiteSquid
AKA TakoIka
AKA Harold
King George VA


P.S. Yet another post by the Squid..... Doesent he ever shut up???

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

[rashley]