Panel Replacement?

What is the best way to accurately duplicate a single panel from an existing sail, that needs replacement?

Any tips?

Wow Howard...that's a new one by me. Let's see if we can get some more information from you.

First of all...what panel is it? If it's one involving the trailing edge whatever you do, yur not gonna get perfect looking results as you shouldn't mess with the curve/leach line.

If it's on the leading edge...ya don't want to mess with the pocket...so what to do what to do...hmmmm.

Then there is the consideration of the existing seams. Are they fell seams or over lap/glued/stitched seams? All this sort of kinda matters in whatever approach you take.

Maybe if you tell us more about what kite and which panel specifically you're dealing with we could help ya out a little better. Oh and what cloth is it made outa.

Hope we can help ya out.

Howard, The only way to accurately reproduce a panel is to basically unpick the damaged panel and use it as a template. Put yourself in the original makers position, imagine how the kite was originally put together, which panels were joined together first then what was added next etc. I have successfully repaired quite a few sails this way. If you really want to get into it then try this out for size......... When you have unpicked and made a replacement panel you will have to sew it all back together. This could be a problem as the joining panels already have a line of stitched holes in them from the original sewing. Simply sticking the new panel in and sewing will end up with some of the seams having two rows of holes in them...doesn't look good when you look close up (have a look at a Dacron leading edge pocket that has been re-stitched...ugh). Hopefully your machine will be able to match the original stitch length. Remove the thread from the needle and make a couple of trial runs along a piece of paper until it looks pretty damn close then try the same thing using the removed/damaged panel piece. When you can sew in the original holes you have it made. Accuracy is the keyword. In my defence for such a bloody long winded method of sail repair, once it has been done it looks original. You just can't see its been repaired. If time is not a problem try this, if time is a problem get someone else to do it who has the time! I have had to produce the damaged panels for a couple of people to actually prove the kite has been repaired..

Phil H

Dave

Repeat after me: 'I am hallucinating; it's red. I am hallucinating; it's red. I am hallucinating; it's red. I am hallucinating; it's red...

The repair *does* look good, though. Or rather it doesn't - you can hardly see it.

I humbly recommend a pic of your mentor, local kite God #2 and drinker of your cider.