Tenara thread question

[flee27]

For those with experience. When sewing biminis and dodgers would you recommend V92 or V138?

Thanks

Foster

[steamgoat]

I think 138 would be better, however it depends on the machine. I sewed mine with a sailrite and 92 as the machine will not handle the heavier thread.

[flee27]

I asked Sailrite and they said their 92 equivalent. I have a Juki sewing machine that can handle the 138 thread and would assume the heavier would be better. But maybe not. If the 92 is strong enough than it would actually be better because it will be less noticeable and make a smaller hole in the material (if that matters).

So maybe my question should be is the 92 strong enough thread. If the 92 is not the weak link in the seam than why use the 138?

Foster

[Seaworthy Lass]

Originally Posted by flee27

For those with experience. When sewing biminis and dodgers would you recommend V92 or V138?

Thanks
Foster

Hi Foster
I have a little experience here sewing Sunbrella items on board our boat.

“V92 equivalent” Tenara is usually used for Sunbrella, and in practice it is generally more than adequate, even where V138 polyester is usually used. The reason is that the strength of polyester deteriorates rapidly with sun exposure (even during the first year).

I have a attached a bar graph from the following website showing the % strength of various threads after 1, 2 and 3 years of high sun exposure compared to new:
https://www.gore.com/products/sewing...r-applications
Thread weight has not been given, but you get the general idea .

Thread size is actually classified by weight, not strength, but one of the ways that Gore specify Tenara is by giving a polyester V number equivalent strength wise (V69, V92 and V138) when new.

SWL

[steamgoat]

Just looking back, a few years ago I took a dodger making class at Hood canvas (excellent,well worth doing) We used Juki machines and Solarfix 2000 with a 21 needle. I think the breaking strength is 15lbs.

[flee27]

Thank for the replies.

steamgoat-looks like you where right in middle of thread strength at 15 lbs. The V92 is rated at 8 lbs and the V138 is rated at 19 lbs.

[Seaworthy Lass]

PS I forgot to add that clear Tenara is around 25% stronger than the coloured versions.
It is much more versatile too, as it can be used with any colour fabric so only one spool needs to be kept, which is useful considering its cost. Clear Tenara is, however, not as invisible as expected.