I've been toying around with different stitches for best strength? I've been using a lot of zigzag and three-step zigzag stitches.
From my trail of thought I feel the 3-Step Zigzag gives me the most thread and attachments per inch with out getting the holes so close that it might compromise the fabrics strength. I hear it also does with when the fabric stretches.
Expert thoughts?
From a parachute repair manual it calls for a straight stitch :I have my machine set to straight stitch at 8 stitches per inch.All machine stitching, except zigzag, should conform to Type 301, Federal Standard 751, and should be not less than 8 nor more than 10 stitches per inch.
I hope that helps
Best is relative. For me, the best is the one that has never failed me and requires the least amount of thread and time. Short answer = straight stitch. The three-step zigzag takes forever.
Originally Posted by WickedKlown2
From a parachute repair manual it calls for a straight stitch :
I have my machine set to straight stitch at 8 stitches per inch.
I hope that helpsHow my rows of the straight stitch do you do?
Straight stitch is by far the most stable. Zig zag is a "poor man's" stretch stitch. It has it's uses but for normal use I recommend a straight stitch.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series
Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies
Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint
On a 3/4" rolled hem I do 2 rows set 1/4" apart ( side of hammock ). On a 1" rolled hem I do 3 rows set 1/4" apart ( end of hammock ). It's probably over kill but I like it.
Usually any more than one row is redundant but does add some security to critical seams should one row fail.
I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.
"Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
Mrs. Loftus to Huck Finn
We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! video series
Important thread injector guidelines especially for Newbies
Bobbin Tension - A Personal Viewpoint
Edge of hammock, tarp and most things - 1 row
Channel end of hammock used for suspension - 3 rows
Loop on end of tree straps - ~7 rows in a repeating pattern (WW)
I use Gutermann's Mara 70 thread for about everything with a #11 needle and if I really want overkill I use Gutermann's Tera 40 with a #14 needle.
This has been discussed several times for webbing...
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=19223
Post3 has a link to an old study on breaking strength of webbing stitch styles...
The only time I've had a problem with straight stitches is when I had the tension too tight and puckered the fabric a bit (on a hem.) When it was loaded the stresses on the fabric broke the stitching.
"Do or do not, there is no try." -- Yoda
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