Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: Metal mangler on March 16, 2019, 01:12:39 pm

Title: Sail Material
Post by: Metal mangler on March 16, 2019, 01:12:39 pm

The time has come to try and make my first set of sails.


The model is of Louise Heloise which is a late 19th century french fishing boat. My first problem is what type and weight of material to use, also the type of dye and waterproofing is best or the chosen material.


Thanks,
Dave.

Title: Re: Sail Material
Post by: Netleyned on March 16, 2019, 01:26:00 pm

Try contacting Frank at Nylet Sails.
He will have the material you need
and perhaps patterns to supply you
with sails


Ned

Title: Re: Sail Material
Post by: tigertiger on March 16, 2019, 05:00:30 pm

You could use preshrunk cotton bed sheets for material and dye with a cotton dye fast dye. Then waterproof with Nikwax cotton waterproofer. You can pre shrink yourself before cutting and sewing.

Title: Re: Sail Material
Post by: dreadnought72 on March 16, 2019, 10:13:11 pm

I've had a load of success with high-thread-count (pure) cotton sheets/pillowcases. Above 500 threads/inch the material looks and feels like scaled canvas.


DO wash the material as hot as you can to remove any chemicals/treatment, and to help pre-shrink it.
DO dye anything white with a splash of Dylon (a yellow/sand sort of colour) to knock the white off and make it more canvas-like.


Stitch it up, wash (cooler this time), tumble and then iron it.


Andy

Title: Re: Sail Material
Post by: Metal mangler on March 17, 2019, 11:39:26 am

Thanks Guys,


Reading all the replies. I will contact Nylet for their advice but will start with the cotton sheets to learn with and see how I get on .
Should be ok till she checks the linen cupboard.


Thanks again,
Dave.

Title: Re: Sail Material
Post by: Big Ada on March 17, 2019, 05:27:49 pm

If you want Terracotta coloured Sails for a small boat, then Pillow cases already coloured may solve the problem.

Len.

Title: Re: Sail Material
Post by: petermun on March 17, 2019, 07:21:48 pm

We got ours from a £3.00 brolly.   Pete