esme1709

Hi,

I am an artist working on an inflatable sculpture. I use ristop 0.9

It will be outdoor in a place with wind so I really want to make sure the fabric is as strong as possible.

Is there any tips to do so? any silicon spray? sewing best practice?


Any advice will help!

May in Jersey

No advice but would love to see some of your work. May in Jersey

bearisgray

Double stitch your seams - like flat-felled seams.

Have adequate seam allowances.

esme1709

thanks. what is the stitch allowance you are mentioning?

bearisgray

flat felled seams - like the row of double stitching one sees on jeans

here's one tutorial on how to make them:

http://www.sewneau.com/how.to/flat.felled.seam.html

I know there are more tutorials out there.

trif

If weight isn't a big issue, I may use a light weight fusible stabilizer, it would be kind of like doubling your fabric but the stabilizer is cheaper by the yard than your fabric choice. Post your sculpture when you finish, we would all love to see your art work. Good luck.

PaperPrincess

Do a google search on 'how to sew rip stop nylon'. There are lots of links that come up. Someone may be able to help on this board, but working with quilting fabric is much different than with this specialized material.
For instance, the suggestions on heavy thread and felled seams are great to make a sturdy construction, but I think you need to coat or otherwise treat the seams so you can inflate your creation. Sewing the rip stop puts a buncha little holes in the fabric. Don't think the air will stay in!

wvdek

Ditto!

wvdek

Also, use polyester or carpet thread. Cotton may not hold up as well outside.

BrendaK

:thumbup: :thumbup: Great tutorial. Thanks for the link. BrendaK