Sailrite Sewing LS-1 vs LSZ-1 model

[dtrue]

Hi all ,

I found a used Sailrite -- like new unit with ultra feed straight stitch LS 1 model.
My question is; will I need zig zag stitch for reinforcing sails and or cushions, covers etc. How have they been doing it for years. It cost only $300 more and brand new from factory, for LSZ-1

I haven't started this project as yet. But I have been looking for sailrite, knowing I will some day,

Thanks dtrue

[JPA Cate]

My Mom bought an early zig zag machine, on which I eventually learned to sew, starting with clothing for the family, and later sewed mainsail covers, a cloth dodger, cushion covers, weather and lee cloths, and also some wraparound skirts. I used the zig zag a lot. In clothing, and cushions, I used it to bind the seams to prevent raveling. On the mainsail cover, I used it to sew in the sail ties (an application where you could use a straight stitch), to allow for a little stretch, and also to make button holes for straps to penetrate. The dodger, I did all in zig zag because it is easier to rip out z/z than straight stitches when you make a mistake.

I now have an LSZ-1, and made a boom bag plus cowl for this boat last year. I used the zig-zag to sew on chafe patches, so edges wouldn't ravel, because I didn't want the small lump a hem makes.

Imho, you will want the giant zigzag for sail repairs, and possibly for other applications. For anti-raveling, there is heat sealing on sunbrella (acrylic) and nylon fabrics (like rip-stop), pinking shears, machine basted edges, rolled hems, and the possibility of bound hems (Sail Rite has a binding tool you can buy extra). The trim binding looks nice.

To me, I really think you will want the zig zag for sails, even if not for other things. But once you have it, you are likely to find uses for it. You can even learn to make very close together zig-zags to put your initials on the tool bags you make., or shirts, or boat name addition, ........it is up to your creativity.

Ann

Ann

[Jim Cate]

Adding emphasis to what Ann said, when I was building a few sails years ago, starting without any sewing experience at all, the zig zag stitch saved me countless hours when I made the many errors in stitching that snuck into my work. Ripping out such seams goes very fast, for you can simply slide the seam ripper along the row of stitches quite quickly. With a straight stitch, you must apply the ripper across the seam, one stitch at a time. Takes forever !

Of course, if you don't make mistakes, this is not an issue (!).

Jim

[Scott Berg]

Look around; all high end sails are stitched zig/zag... QED...

[Shala]

goodday dtrue
i bought the sailrite zigzag machine a few years ago and have used the zigzag option almost as much as straight stitch. if the money is not the issue i highly recommend the zig zag model.

[MarkSF]

The LSZ-1 also has a feature, missing from the LS1, where you can offset the needle to the left or right, which is handy for doing zips.

So even though I hardly ever use the zig zag stitch, I have used the offset feature.

[Lancerbye]

I have the Sailrite LSZ 1 and use the zig zag feature probably as much or more than straight stitching. I have resewn sunguards on various jibs and genoas because that is a common failure on sails. The sun rots the so called uv proof thread. Almost all of that sewing is zigzag on the widest and longest setting. Like UV92 as a thread with #18 or 20 size needles.

[Jason Flare]

If you are doing anything with sails, including repairing or installing a sun cover on a roller furling jib or genoa, you will want zig-zag.

On the flip side a friend of mine retired from IBM and started his own part time marine canvas business. He bought a straight stitch machine and says he has not regretted not having zig zag. From what he said it sounded like zig zag in the marine canvas business is looked down upon.

I did all my canvas over last summer. Zig zag on the genoa sun cover and nowhere else. After the canvas was done and I started repairing some clothing the zig zag was indispensable.

My opinion, go with the zig zag.

[rpjn59]

On my last boat I remade all of the canvas with a borrowed LZ-1. Boy was that a journey and I delevoped a new respect for the prices that canvas shops charge for their work. However, it was very satisfying. I really did not NEED the zig zag function to the work, but a huge advantage, as stated previously, was having the OFF SET function for doing zippers, I believe its a requirement. I would recommend looking at as many sailrite videos as you can if you dont have sewing experience and even buying the one that aren't offered for free. Ten bucks can save you a lot of rework. Your also going to need fair amount of space to lay out your materials and patterns, good luck on the project and post some pic when your done. Also, Matt at sailrite is awesome at responding to emails and phone calls if you run into any troubles with your machine, sewing or thread tension and such.

[dtrue]

Ann Thanks,

Oh my, you sufficiently answered my question and more.
This is very helpful to me.

Thanks Dan t

[senormechanico]

I won't sew anything used outdoors with anything but Tenara (GoreTex) thread.
It lasts forever, and I mean FOREVER.

Sailrite - Fabric, Canvas, and Sewing Machines Since 1969

Lots of Youtube videos featuring this wonderful stuff as well.

[JPA Cate]

I must say, I agree with senor mechanico about using the Tenara thread. IME, the SailRite directions were adequate for me to get it going well. I like working with it. Only use something else where your stitches will never get UV exposure. I used to use UV 92 for all my canvas work. Never again.

dtrue, thanks for the thanks, glad to help.

Ann

[Jim Cate]

Originally Posted by senormechanico

I won't sew anything used outdoors with anything but Tenara (GoreTex) thread.
It lasts forever, and I mean FOREVER.

Sailrite - Fabric, Canvas, and Sewing Machines Since 1969

Lots of Youtube videos featuring this wonderful stuff as well.

True for us as well! Great stuff...

Jim

[senormechanico]

Here's an example of ten year old Tenara on our boat's trampoline.
At least, I think it's been ten years. It was so long ago, I've forgotten exactly when I sewed it.
The stitching looks like I did it yesterday.

[thebootlegger]

Go for the LSZ-1..for not only the zig but for the offset needle position ...too! You won't regret it!!