The Elements of Sailmaking, 1847.

Chapter II.

General Observations on the Materials Used, and Instructions for Making Sails.

The Materials -- Canvass, &c.

. . .

Making of Sails:-- Seams.

78. The seams of sails are sewed twice from the foot to the head_* -- that is, the edges of the cloths are creased to the required breadths (see Art. 30 and 31), and, when finished, are well rubbed down with a rubber, and turned over to sew the second side, and again rubbed down. There ought to be from one hundred and twenty-four to one hundred and forty-four stitches in every yard in length.

79. The creasing of seams is a very important thing in fore and aft sails, and requires good judgement. The breadth of the seams on the foot of a jib or driver ought to be made according to the roach with which the sail is cut, and thus eat up the irregular gores, so as to form a regular curve on the foot. The length run up from the foot should be for a jib at the clue thus - 3½ inches broad by 3 feet up, next 4½ feet, 5 feet, and 6 feet the rest: the remaining breadths at the foot 3 inches. Driver seams are thus, viz. - 3½ inches broad and run up, 2 feet, 3 feet, 4½ feet, 5½ feet, and 6 feet the mast part; and 3 inches broad by 2 feet, 4 feet, 5½ feet, and 6 feet from the foot and the leech, and continued 3 inches broad and 6 feet up between the leech and mast; also, at the head 2¾ inches broad, decreasing to the peak to 2½ inches, and creased down 4 feet: the remaining part of the seam 1½ inches broad.

Robert Kipping: The Elements of Sailmaking, being a complete complete treatise on cutting-out sails, according to the most approved methods of the Merchant Service, with draughting, and the centre of effort of the sails. Illustrated by engravings, with full and accurate dimensions for jibs, mainsails, etc., etc.
C. Wilson (late J.W. Norie & Wilson), London, 1847 (1st). 8vo, 17,5×10 cm, (2), fp, xiv, 3-163 pp, (1) page opinions of the press, 1-7, 9-17 plates. Plate 8 = frontispiece.
Kipping, 1847. p 56.

Updated 1997-07-23 by Lars Bruzelius

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