Dodger Stitching Disintegrating

[Sailoff]

The stitching on our dodger is disintegrating.
Has anyone repaired stitching on their own?
What kind of thread would you use and where could you get it?
Can a regular sewing machine be used?

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

This is a project for the patient person and someone who has a heavy duty machine. If you've never done it previously, I suggest you practice first as I've seen lots of DIY repairs look terrible or fail prematurely. Most household machines can't sew through the fabric and glass properly.
Use only Tenara® Thread if you want it to last. The more popular polyester threads degrade rapidly in UV which is likely the problem you encountered. You can find it on the internet if nowhere else.

 

[Joe]

take it to a shop

take it to a sail loft or marine canvas shop and ask them for an estimate to restitch it. Cheaper in the long run. Just my opinion.

 

[Buck420]

Re: take it to a shop

I agree w/ Joe... a canvas shop shouldn't charge you all that much to restitch a dodger.
Your home sewing machine probably will not stich this heavy fabric.
In an emergency, I've used waxed dental floss ( also, carry a big, heavy duty, needle and plyers to pull it thru) to restitch my binini... then taken it to top shop after I've gotten back to port.
After it's been restitched, use an old sailmaker's trick to lengthen the life of the stitching... rub a candle over the thread. The wax will coat the thread, (and help fill the needle holes), helping to waterproof it and increase it's life expectency.

 

[J Page]

Hey sail,

How old is the dodger in question? Make sure that you use UV treated thread. Even then we treat our thread with RIT sundowner treatment. Helps the stiching last. Yes you will need a heavy duty machine. I work part time at a canvass shop, learnen the tricks.
Lugeman

 

[Warren Milberg]

Speedy Stitcher

If your dodger only needs a few threads re-stitched here and there, I would use a "Speedy Stitcher," available a West and other online store, like Defender.

http://ecatalog.westmarine.com/full.asp?page=1260

This device is really handy for a variety of hand-stitching needs and I've used it on virtually all my canvas onboard. But if all the stitching on your dodger is failing, I agree that you should just take it to canvas shop or sail loft and have them do it professionally. Either way, ust make sure the thread used is UV stabilized (buy it from Bacons or Sailrite).

 

[Tom Spohn]

I have used the Speedy Stitcher on my mainsail cover with very good results. The thread is already pre-waxed and is very strong. The stitcher is easy to use. I had to stitch about 5 or 6 inches and it works well for that purpose. If I had to re-stitch the entire piece I would take it to a sailmaker or canvas specialist.