rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 3, 2016 8:55:30 GMT -8
Somehow (presumably while airing on the clothesline on a windy day), one of our tents acquired a major tear in the mesh. My question is: if I just whip-stitch it together, will that hold against the stress? Or do I need to use some kind of backing fabric? If the latter, any recommendations, since I probably can't get hold of a matching mesh? Here's a lousy photo of the tear, to give some idea of the magnitude. Despite how it looks, the sides pull together and match up fine when not under tension.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2016 9:27:30 GMT -8
I'd consider sewing another mesh over the tear as backing, even if the backing mesh is not as fine. I'd sew the backing to untorn tent mesh and then bring the edges of the tear together and sew to the backing mesh. I find in many tents the mesh tends to be tight. I feel that to sew the mesh tear together, such as a whip-stitch), the whole of the mesh will tighten and cause pressure on the zipper points. Hope that makes sense.
Using a embroidery loop to hold 'everything' together should make the sewing job easier.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jun 3, 2016 9:49:02 GMT -8
Ditto on the embroidery hoop suggestion. This is no-see-um netting, I am presuming, so you will want something fine to patch it. Tigger uses bridal tulle. Black is best though, as it allows you to see out better. a yard of it 54 inches wide is about $6 at most fabric stores.
You might decide to just completely sandwich the tear, with tulle on both sides.
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Post by tipiwalter on Jun 3, 2016 11:54:29 GMT -8
In the field I carry pre-threaded needles and so I'd probably whip stitch the rip together while the tent is set up and there is tension on the mesh. Otherwise the other suggestions are best: To use another piece of mesh to fill the void. I also carry a couple of these mesh patches which have adhesive like ripstop tape and 4 of them could possibly cover the rip and later sewn on in the field. Field repair is where it's at.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 3, 2016 12:15:07 GMT -8
Thanks, everyone! I'll look for wedding tulle. I hadn't thought of that. I agree about risking making the whole thing too tight if I cross it over and stitch. Plus, with a patch, I can probably use the sewing machine, which will make a stronger and neater seam.
Happily, in this case a field repair wasn't necessary (we did discover the holes while out at Angel Island, but it wasn't crucial to repair it then). I carry needle and thread and patch fabric (though not mesh), but admit that my supply wouldn't handle a tear of this size very well. Still kicking myself for carelessness. Under the conditions when I dried the tent, I should have pinned it in place carefully. Totally my own fault. The ways we make word for ourselves.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 3, 2016 12:15:56 GMT -8
I don't own an embroidery hoop. And I'm not sure they make them big enough for that!
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2016 14:10:47 GMT -8
Option #1 The mesh should not tear under the conditions you described so option #1 is to have the tent company facilitate the repair. Contact their warranty department and let them know that the prodcuct failed when it should not have. They should honor their lifetime warranty (if the tent came with one).
Option #2 Consider sewing a small mesh patch on the inside followed by a larger mesh patch on the outsie. Use 1/2" seam allowances. This repair can be done with any single needle home or industrial sewing machine. The repair may not look perfect but it should work. Function over form!
I would be happy to send you a half yard of 40D nylon mesh. I only have black.
Please contact MZ at SlingFin.
Enjoy the journey!
MZ
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2016 14:15:04 GMT -8
The tear looks rather large for an embroidery hoop. BTW. Make sure the door size is not reduced when sewing the mesh patches. Reducing the door size will add stress to the zipper sliders and zipper chain.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jun 3, 2016 14:31:41 GMT -8
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Jun 3, 2016 14:36:17 GMT -8
Please contact MZ at SlingFin. Thanks for dropping in, BTW. Nice to see some manufacturers represented.
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 3, 2016 16:09:41 GMT -8
Option #1 The mesh should not tear under the conditions you described so option #1 is to have the tent company facilitate the repair. Contact their warranty department and let them know that the prodcuct failed when it should not have. They should honor their lifetime warranty (if the tent came with one). I think it blew against the greenhouse and caught on the end of the gutter, so definitely not a failure of the tent maker or materials, all my fault. Otherwise I would contact Big Agnes (who treated me quite well over my worn-out tent earlier this spring). Thank you for the offer of the mesh--I may take you up on that. Black is a lovely color The repair may not look perfect but it should work. Function over form! I'm pretty sure that's my motto
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Post by immadman on Jun 4, 2016 14:37:15 GMT -8
rebeccad - The new Copper Spur?? I hate to hear that. I do go along with the advice previously as it regards a double sandwich. My old VE-24 developed a hole in the netting and I did the same thing with some mesh from another old tent that was ready to be retired several years ago. If you machine sew the mesh, you might want to use some paper on the bottom to help prevent the feed dogs on the machine from damaging the mesh. Just a suggestion that may not be needed. I would test it first. -Lott
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rebeccad
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Post by rebeccad on Jun 4, 2016 18:13:38 GMT -8
Happily, no. It was the boys' tent, which is an older BA JackRabbit or something like that--a slightly heavier version of the Copper Spur that I don't think they make anymore. Good suggestion about the feed dogs. I'll test. Things on my machine are pretty smooth, but you never know.
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Post by immadman on Jun 5, 2016 8:59:30 GMT -8
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Post by dirthurts on Jun 5, 2016 10:16:50 GMT -8
Big Agnes does wonderful paid repairs if you'd be interested. I've had tears that I couldn't even figure out how to fix and they've worked wonders with them.
They're pretty affordable too.
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