Rich D Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I think that I've read (maybe here) of folks using artificial sinew for stitching the fabric. I like the strength and the 'slickness' of the sinew but are there any drawbacks (like paint not adhering to the sinew)? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bwhip Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I used sinew because I got tired of snapping the thread all the time. My biggest issue was transferring wax from the sinew to the fabric. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hirilonde Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I used Spectra fishing line as thread. For $20 I bought a spool from the local bait and tackle shop (I like to support small local businesses first). It is 50# test and each roll did almost 3 kayaks. At first I was concerned about paint sticking to it, but found no issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kudzu Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 Braided kite string is a good choice. I have been looking for a wholesale source for a long time. All I can find is bulk packaging. I like it better than what I sell honestly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy00 Posted October 22, 2015 Report Share Posted October 22, 2015 I sewed with 50-pound test Dacron fishing line and painted with acrylic house paint. Worked like a charm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich D Posted October 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 23, 2015 OK, thanks. I also have had trouble with the 3-strand thread I was using. I considered braided mason's line but that is a pretty large diameter. I'll take a look at some Spectra or Dacron fishing line since the only kite line I can find is twisted, not braided. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjhBT99 Posted November 22, 2015 Report Share Posted November 22, 2015 I started out using the jewelers twine Jeff sells it worked ok but I had a lot of thread snapping, Then I tried the sinew, I thought this broke easier than the jewelers twine. I finished my first Kayak with the jewelers twine doubled and it was better, but I still had some snapping. On my second Kayak tried the mason's twine and even though it appears heavier, I was still snapping as easy as the the jewelers thread when tugging the fabric tight. Then I tried some 65 lb spiderwire braided fish line, and decided it is the the way to go. I had zero breaks and found I was drawing the fabric really really tight. This stuff is thin and strong I use it doubled. over. attached is a picture of ny cheapskate's thimble, It works really really well. (A 12 ga. shotshell hull cut down) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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