Jack, The way I seal the edges of the ripstop is pretty low tech: I use a standard wax candle in a candlestick holder (so I have both hands free), and run the edge of the fabric right along the edge of the flame, or at least close enough to melt the fabric slightly along every cut edge. Just like you would do the end of a nylon rope. This is a bit trickier than it sounds and I have to admit that even with a lot of practice, I'll have black smoke marks from place to place and if I'm really sloppy, I'll occasionally catch the fabric on fire. And keep your nose out of the fumes as much as you can - they're no doubt toxic too - but hey, don't hit it that hard! You only need enough to see that little melted edge. I also try to hold the fabric up enough that I'm not looking at much of the flame - really gets to your eyes if you look at it too long. I think I've seen suggestions of using a soldering iron all along the edges but haven't tried that technique myself. Coated nylon is a bit less prone to fraying, but I'll often sear that as well. Happy cutting and sewing! Natalie >[snip]... how do you sear fabric edges? > *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List Submissions: paddlewise_at_lists.intelenet.net Subscriptions: paddlewise-request_at_lists.intelenet.net Website: http://www.gasp-seakayak.net/paddlewise/ ***************************************************************************Received on Mon Apr 12 1999 - 13:15:58 PDT
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