Rip-stop nylon stitching question

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Gary - 27 Oct 2006 02:05 GMT

Have *just* learned how to use my sister's sewing machine in an
attempt to sew some flat hex and octagonal nylon chutes.

Are there any "standard" sewing practices for rip-stop? The
chutes will be used in two small MPR/HPR birds and in a few
MPR/LMR models.

The machine I have access to has a bunch of stitch types and all
sorts of tension adjustments. Just wondering about stitch types,
needle size, etc.

TIA

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Gary

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tedcochran55409@earthlink.net - 27 Oct 2006 02:56 GMT

> Are there any "standard" sewing practices for rip-stop? The
> chutes will be used in two small MPR/HPR birds and in a few
> MPR/LMR models.

Pretty simple for flat chutes, just hem the edges (unless you use a hot
cutter that seals them adequately).

--tc

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Kevin OClassen - 27 Oct 2006 08:27 GMT

Gary,

The important thing is to not *overstich*, as this can weaken the nylon in
the area of stitching. Think of the perforations in a piece of paper. If the
needle holes from stitching are too close together, they create the same
situation in the nylon.

Also, use nylon thread. Much better strength and less fuzzing than standard
polyester thread.

Kevin OClassen

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Gary - 27 Oct 2006 15:32 GMT

> Gary,
>
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> Kevin OClassen

Do you have a "stitches per inch" or stitch type recommendation?

The only "tech" info I could find was on Nakka's site and he was
using a different canopy material (nylon fabric vice rip-stop).

Thanks,

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Kevin OClassen - 27 Oct 2006 22:47 GMT

> Do you have a "stitches per inch" or stitch type recommendation?
>
> The only "tech" info I could find was on Nakka's site and he was
> using a different canopy material (nylon fabric vice rip-stop).
>
> Thanks,

Straight stitching, probably 12-16 stitches per inch, for zig-zag a little
tighter, probably 16-20 per inch. These work for me. YMMV.

I've never actually sewn a flat chute, so I'm not sure what I'd recommend
where. For complex chutes (12-24 gore) I use flat feld seams, straight
stitching, and a rolled corded hem around the perimeter. I use flat chute
lines and straight stich them to the canopy, then zig-zag the length of the
attachment. I've sewn a couple 80" Vatsaas square chutes from both ripstop
and coated ripstop, and the only addition there was nylon tape.

Kevin O

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Gary - 28 Oct 2006 04:42 GMT

>> Do you have a "stitches per inch" or stitch type recommendation?
>>
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
>
> Kevin O

Thanks, Kevin, I appreciate your time.

This is practice for real gore panel chutes. For now, I'll be
hemming, stitching flat shroud lines to the canopy, and doing
some over canopy shroud lines. I want to do an x-form drogue as
well. All in the pursuit of L1 and electronic dual deployment.

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dbac - 27 Oct 2006 20:54 GMT

> Gary,
>
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>
> Kevin OClassen

And use "super sharp" needles not "ball point" needles.

Dave

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Model Forum / General / Rockets / October 2006

Rip-stop nylon stitching question