Sport Today

Okay, not actually sewing a kite, but I have decided to learn how to build a
kite by first learning how to work the materials. I bought some ripstop from
our local fabric store and am going to create a banner. Please direct me to
*basic* techniques, like what kind of thread to use with rip-stop, how to
stop fraying when you don't have a hot cutter, how to join panels with
minimal VSL (visual seam line), etc., etc., etc. etc.

My wife has promised to teach me to sew, but I have to figure out some of
these details.

Ed Selby
Wind Is Free

polyester will do nicely.

Cut with scissors, rather than a normal knife.

Use thread of the same color

Good luck...

Regards,

Jordi Krello
http://kitelinks.glow.nl

Boy are you gonna have fun!  I would suggest getting in touch with Kite Studio.
 They have an excellent "learn to sew" video that has most of the info you
might need.  There is a link at www.kitebuilder.com.  Enjoy!

Rod
To fly or not to fly....there is no question!

Depends on the weight of the fabric but for most weights of ripstop
poly/nylon try #30 Polyester - (Dabonds 2000 is especially good).

Ripstop shouldn't fray.
If what you have is fraying you won't be happy with it no matter how you
cut it.

To cut a straight line from sailcloth/ripstop use a sharp xacto and
straight edge.

To cut curved lines make a template from Oak Tag (available from Kite
Studio) or Poster Board.

Overlap seams.
Straight Lines - Use double stick 1/4 tape and overlap. Stitch. Trim
Excess.
Curved Lines - Use glue stick and overlap. Stitch. Trim Excess.

Good luck Ed!

Ellen

Check out http://banner.kitez.com/

It's easier to answer specific questions than try to imagine what
you might have difficulty with...

The only thing to avoid is cotton - it tends to shrink
when wet (not that I've used it myself - I've just believed and
followed the advice).

1) Don't look too close :-)  I'm actually fairly serious here, it's
   not much of a problem.

2) If the kite is inflated, put the raw edge on the inside.

3) Fold the raw edge under, and sew over it.

But if you're doing appliqu, just leave the raw edge...

Don't worry about it.  Just make it neat.

--
Andrew Beattie

The LAZIEST way to find kite pages ---------> http://www.kitez.com/
********** Win a T-shirt at http://www.kitez.com/tshirt.html **********
My own stuff (Shona, Chevron, Veronica) ----> http://www.tug.com/
Resources for rec.kites --------------------> http://www.kites.tug.com/
Friendly, flexible host for your net stuff -> http://www.ourshack.com/

kite, n: A piece of negotiable paper representing a fictitious
financial transaction and used temporarily to sustain credit or
raise money.

 Tons of information:
All linked to here:
http://www.yelmtel.com/~rmaddy/
For example:
http://puppetkite.tripod.com/makekil.htm
and
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Puppet_Kite_Cemetery/messages

 Ask specific questions and I will do everything I possibly can do to
help, with photos, descriptions, videos, etc, etc, etc.

 Making my own kites is one of most satistifying things I have ever
done in life!

 Have fun.
 Ignor the rest :-)

Reply to group.
--
The Puppet Kite Kid
http://www.yelmtel.com/~rmaddy
ICQ# 58487762
_________
Video, Voice, Text Chat with The Kid:
Eyeball, http://www.eyeball.com ID: puppetkitekid
PalTalk, http://www.paltalk.com ID: Puppet Kite Kid

Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/

Ellen, where can I get dabond, other than black and white that Hang em
High sells??  I Really like sewing with Dabond (My Pfaff loves it too)
but can't seem to find a source other than Hang em High..  (nothing
personal, I buy lots of stuff from them And Kite Studio)  I have a
Project in mind where for parts of it, I want to use matching thread,
but still want to stick with Dabond..  I can order it thru a "business"
if I need to....
Thanks!!

--
Mikey Luvs Ya!!
http://www.astound.net/kyakmike/

Uh...it's available at wholesale if you're willing to buy 30 4 oz spools
of each color at a time. ;) Stick with your retailer, yur getting a
great price and mucho convenience. But if you are still interested
private email me and I'll try to point yur nose in the right direction.

Ellen

Ooops, I Meant that to be private e-mail....  I need to remember to hold
the button down long enough for it to switch to "reply to - sender only"

--
Mikey Luvs Ya!!
http://www.astound.net/kyakmike/