sewing/repair wetsuits

[Jim See]

Hi all,

It seems like every time a turn around I have velcro peeling away from gloves or my wifes farmer janes. Is there a special thread I should use or technique? I would greatly appreciate any advice. :huh:

Thanks Jim

 

[almitywife]

i like to use a linen thread otherwise a serger (or overlocker as we call it down here) thread would also do the trick.

if you want it to be able to stretch... a woolley nylon thread (used when sewing lycra/stretch knit fabrics) would give you that stretch but i dont find the thread as strong as the others

ive used my sewing machines to do a number of neoprene repairs and touch wood both machiine & items still lasting

cheers

 

[spectrum]

Hi all,

It seems like every time a turn around I have velcro peeling away from gloves or my wifes farmer janes. Is there a special thread I should use or technique? I would greatly appreciate any advice. :huh:

Thanks Jim

Get some nylon (won't rot) upholstery (rugged) thread. By using a hooked needle or by folding the material it is usually best to avoid stitching through the material (makes a leak) but rather just hooking down into the neoprene. When you get down to thin stuff just sew through.

If you keep having loose ends that start unravelingy going over the whole suit (when dry) with some wetsuit cement or seam grip and tacking each thread end. Some brands to this as standard practice.

If the gloves are having it hard it may be time to look but not touch while diving.

Pete

 

[Jim See]

Thank you for the advice it is most apprectiated. I'm all for seeing instead of touching while diving I just seem to pull the velcro apart when removing my gloves etc...

Thanks Jim

 

[Bob3]

Emergency sewing repairs can be done using dental floss.
Keep a roll handy in your dive bag - also good for use after stringy jerky snacks.
If intending to glue afterward use the plain - unwaxed - version.