Spinnaker Cloth

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   We're attempting to build an asymmetrical spinnaker from a Sailrite kit. Installed a #12 needle, using the appropriate thread but while testing on scrap ripstop nylon, we are getting puckering, skipped stitches, birds nests, etc. 
 Will go through the guidebook to troubleshoot but are there general rules regarding sewing ripstop we should start with?  We've gone thru various upper thread tensions - getting closer to a good zigzag stitch but it's still skipping some stitches and puckering. Works fine with other fabrics.  Should we experiment with the presser foot tension knob? 

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OKCSailor Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 09 December 2017 Location: Oklahoma City, Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote OKCSailor Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Spinnaker Cloth Posted: 23 February 2018 at 12:42pm
	We're attempting to build an asymmetrical spinnaker from a Sailrite kit. Installed a #12 needle, using the appropriate thread but while testing on scrap ripstop nylon, we are getting puckering, skipped stitches, birds nests, etc. Will go through the guidebook to troubleshoot but are there general rules regarding sewing ripstop we should start with? We've gone thru various upper thread tensions - getting closer to a good zigzag stitch but it's still skipping some stitches and puckering. Works fine with other fabrics. Should we experiment with the presser foot tension knob?

MattGrant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Sailrite Employee - Expert Joined: 21 April 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3012	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattGrant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 23 February 2018 at 3:53pm
	Let me see if I can help: 1. Make sure the needle is in correctly. The scarf must be directly to the right (flat area above the eye of the needle). 2. Make sure the needle is all the way up. Look through the view hole to be sure it is topped out. 3. Use V-30 or V-46 thread. 4. Use basting tape in the seam for testing. It will greatly help with the puckering. Reduce tension until the knot is visible on the bottom and then slowly tighten until the knot is just buried. 5. Reduce presser foot tension until it is almost completely off. In fact it will come loose and fly off if you are not careful. When it does come off just thread it back in about three turns.
	Best Regards, Matt Grant Sailrite

OKCSailor Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 09 December 2017 Location: Oklahoma City, Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote OKCSailor Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 February 2018 at 12:43pm
	Thanks Matt, We tried everything suggested but the puckering was always a problem. We are going to use an old home machine - seems to handle the ripstop fabric just fine. The Ultrafeed is great for heavier Dacron projects though. Thanks!
	Ultrafeed LSZ-1 Santana 2023C Watkins 27

MattGrant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Sailrite Employee - Expert Joined: 21 April 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3012	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattGrant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 26 February 2018 at 9:21am
	It is likely we need to reduce bobbin case tension if you are still having puckering. If you would like to get on a call while you are in front of the machine we can tune it together for the ripstop material. Just let me know - matt@sailrite.com
	Best Regards, Matt Grant Sailrite

OKCSailor Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Forum Member Joined: 09 December 2017 Location: Oklahoma City, Status: Offline Points: 19	Post Options Post Reply Quote OKCSailor Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 February 2018 at 2:35pm
	Sure enough, between tweaking the bobbin tension and upper thread tension, we dialed it right in. Thanks to Sairite's superb customer service, we're back to sewing the spinnaker panels. Thanks guys!
	Ultrafeed LSZ-1 Santana 2023C Watkins 27

MattGrant Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Sailrite Employee - Expert Joined: 21 April 2005 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 3012	Post Options Post Reply Quote MattGrant Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 28 February 2018 at 3:00pm
	Glad Matt Borden was about to help. Happy sewing!
	Best Regards, Matt Grant Sailrite