Cape Dory Typhoon Genoa 3 wrapping it up
Time for the hand sewing. This is the stitch by stitch stuff that adds real strength to the pressure points on the sail. For this, sailrite has sent along wax coated Dacron thread and a sail makers needle. The needle is like a tiny bayonet. Three sides and super sharp, poking yourself and you're sure to bleed a bit. I use a few other tools when doing this. One of them, is my trusty sewing awl. This is a must have in my opinion. I'm sure you could get by with a regular awl, but this thing makes punching through finishing leather, nylon strapping and six layers of Dacron a bit easier. I didn't bend the needle, it came curved. I suspect this little curve adds some strength or at least takes direct pressure off the shaft of the needle as you jam it into something hard. This is a thick brass thimble. Last sail I made I punched right through a little tin one and into my hand. I'm not making that mistake again....
