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Did you recently notice a rip in your sails? Well, we’ve been in your shoes, so we certainly know how annoying this can be. We also know that keeping the sail in top condition is as crucial as maintaining every other part of the boat.
Well, if your sail is ripped, don’t worry; the sail needle is here to the rescue! A Sail needle will help get that rip in your sail fixed in no time. But the question that remains is, how do you use a sail needle?
Read Next: How to use a Sail Repair Tape [Expert Guide]
We will be answering this question in the guide below; read on, and let WindyHQ guide you.
What is a Sail Needle?
A sail needle is a large sewing needle used to sew torn sails. This long and sturdy needle, usually made from carbon steel wire, has a triangular edge. It is perfect for fixing woven sails used in yachts and dinghies.
What is a Sail Needle Used For?
The sailmaker’s needle first and primary purpose is to fix the sails on yachts and other sea bound vehicles that use sails. Aside from this, it is useful in fixing backpack straps, thick layered materials, thick clothing, sacks, and all kinds of leathers.
One of the reasons sail needle shafts are so thick is that sails are often made from heavy-duty materials such as nylon, carbon fiber, and polyesters. For this reason, it is the primary choice for any thick material like leather soles of shoes, bags, belts, and so on, from thick leather.
How To Use a Sail Needle?
You’ve waited for it, now follow this guide, and in no time, you’ll never have to worry about torn sails anymore.
Step One: Identify the Tear in the Sail
You can’t fix a hole in your sail if you do not know where it is, so you’ll need to find the tear first. To do this, bring down the sail from the mast or stand or wherever it is hanging, double-check properly and locate all of the tears you find in the sail.
You wouldn’t want to fix one hole, hang the sail, and realize that there’s another hole or tear that needs to be fixed. That would be a waste of time and energy.
Step Two: Thread the Needle
Next, buy a thread that matches the thickness of your sail; too thick, and you could rip the sail, too thin, and it will not last two days.
Once you have the appropriate thread, get the perfect-sized needle. The same way, threads come in different sizes; sails are made from different materials, so you can’t use any needle for every sail. Make sure you use the correct needle size for the fitting sail.
Now, thread your needle. You may know how to thread a needle but let’s play dumb for a sec. Please pick up the right needle and thread, pass the thread through the narrow hole at the base of the needle, and knot it. You are ready to move on to the next step!
If you are not sure what needle to get, we recommend the Bainbridge Sail Repair Kit from West Marine. It includes heavy-duty W. Smith & Sons needles. They are designed with a thick shaft and triangle pointed tip to improve penetration. The plus side of using these needles is that they have a big eye, so you won’t struggle to thread the needle.
The kit also includes appropriate twisted thread, wax and a sailmaker’s palm. Everything you need to perform a sail repair!
Step Three – Time to Sew
Finally, it’s time to mend that hole. To do this, pierce a hole in the sail with the threaded needle at one end of the tear, and then pull it out through another point the sail near the first point you threaded.
Repeat the process, and you have made your first stitch. Be sure to pull out the needle completely until the stitch is tight and firm. Continue piercing and pulling out the thread on both sides, up and down (in and out) of the sail, following the previous point in the stitch until you get to the end of the tear.
Afterwards, cut the thread off from the needle and tie it up at the end into a firm knot, and you are done. If done correctly, this seal should last for a very long time. After everything is done, please return it to the storage case and keep it secure.
Conclusion
As you can see, in this guide we covered what a sail needle is, its uses, and how to use it. We also recommended the perfect sail needle and sail thread for the job. We’ll like to conclude by saying, the sail needle is perfect for maintaining your sails, be sure to make use of one any time you notice any tears.
