Date:	Thu, 17 Feb 1994 10:58:02 -1000
From:	andrew@tug.com (Andrew Beattie)
Message-Id: <CLDzKq.2tK@tug.com>
Organization: /usr/lib/news/organisation
Subject: rib/bridle reinforcing

The bridle on the Sputnic appears to be attatched to the kite in the same
way as the Peel.  For Simo's benefit, here is how it is done.

Mark the bridle points on the rib.
Start with the left hand rib and work across the kite.
Sew the rib to the bottom skin (make sure you've got the right rib and
   get it the right way up).  The hem allowance of the rib should be to the
   left of the stitches, the rib-body should be on the right.  
Sew the rest of the ribs.
Use Polyester which is stronger than the bridle lines, for the re-inforcement
   (you want the bridle to break before the re-inforcing, as the bridle is
   easier to repair.)
Use a Sewing foot with a groove in it to let the line through easily.
Start sewing down the poly-line before introducing the fabric (always
   start this way).
Adjust the tension for the extra thickness.
Start sewing the line to the rib.
Ensure that the bottom skin is pulled well back from the rib - you don't want
   to sew the line to the bottom skin as well!
When you reach the bridle point, do one extra stitch.  This will go through
   the bottom skin.
Pull some thread on the machine through the tensioner - this will mean that
   the extra stitch is loose and will allow the bottom skin to pull flat.
   This extra stitch is useful for locating the bridle point later.
Turn the rib and sew the line up to a point about on the top of the rib
   about half-way to the next bridle point.
Turn again and continue down the rib.
Remember to do the right ribs!

When you have done all the ribs, sew the ribs to the top skin, starting at
   the right and working to the left.

To attatch a bridle line to the reinforcement, use a needle with a handle.
Thread some 80lb Spectra (or something strong and thin) through the needle
   and tie both ends to the handle.
Stick the needle through the bottom skin, the rib (just above the line) and
   back through the skin, keeping the holes as close together as possible.
Thread the bridle line through the loop of line in the needle and pull it
   through.
Tie an overhand stopper knot 5mm from the end of the line (the 5mm must be
   the same in all bridle lines, to keep the final bridle lengths consistant)
Twist the end of the bridle line twice round the main part of the bridle line,
   then poke the stopper knot through the gap between the twist and the fabric.
Tighten the knot so that the stopper is up against the knot.

[Anne - there are 143 of those knots on the large Peels - I got the hang of
it eventually :-) ]

Andrew
-- 
Work: gaffer@rec.com Phone: +44 793 614 110 Fax: +44 793 614 297
Play: andrew@tug.com Phone: +44 256 464 912


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