Sailmaker's Supply

09/16/2026

Before you put the sails away for winter, take a close look at the spots that get rubbed in the same place over and over again.

On a headsail, one of those places can be where the leech contacts a spreader. Small chafe is much easier to deal with before it turns into a bigger repair.

Sailmaker’s Supply carries Insignia Cloth, an adhesive-backed lightweight polyester sailcloth that sailmakers use for things like spreader patches. It can be cut to shape and applied to clean sailcloth to protect a wear point.

The important part is knowing what you are looking at. If the sailcloth itself is already damaged, stretched or torn, send me a photo before assuming a patch is the whole answer.

Winter is the perfect time to catch the rub spot you kept noticing all season. Where does your sail show wear first?

09/09/2026

Jean here. If you have ever tried to push a straight pin through Sunbrella or several layers of marine canvas, you know the fabric usually wins.

One shop trick I use is a stapler. Staples can temporarily hold layers while you sew seams, cushion hems and darts. I also use them with Seamstick when positioning sacrificial Sunbrella on the leech and foot of a roller-furling headsail.

The important last step: remove every staple when the sewing is finished.

It is simple, practical, and can make a winter dodger, sail-cover or headsail project much easier to control.

What heavy-fabric step gives you the most trouble? Ask me below.

09/08/2026

Last chance to save! ⛵

Today is the final day of our Labor Day Sale at Sailmaker’s Supply. Save 15% off with code SAILMORE15 before the sale ends tonight at 11:59 PM ET.

Stock up on the supplies you need and spend a little less time laboring and a little more time sailing.

Shop now at www.sailmakerssupply.com

*Excludes Ultrasuede® products.

09/07/2026

Jean’s question before haul-out: 👉What annoyed you all season?

Before the boat comes apart for winter, write down every small annoyance while it is still fresh in your mind.

After more than 40 years working on sails and marine canvas, I can tell you that the best off-season projects often begin with something you noticed underway:

• Headsail chafe that keeps getting worse
• A dodger, bimini or sail cover that leaks or sags
• A zipper that jams when the weather turns
• Cloudy enclosure windows at the helm
• V-berth or settee cushions that stay damp

These jobs are much easier to measure, pattern, and repair on the workbench than two weeks before launch.

What is the ONE improvement you want finished before next season?

Tell me in the comments, and I’ll help you think through the materials. 🧵

09/07/2026

📢 Ask Jean

If you could finish ONE boat project before fall, what would it be?

New cushions?
A sail repair?
A canvas project?
Replacing worn hardware?
Finally fixing that one thing you’ve been pretending not to notice? 😄

👉Tell us in the comments.

Jean is always happy to answer questions, and we’re going to use some of your answers to choose upcoming Tips of the Week and project guides.

So, what’s still on your boat-project list?

09/03/2026

Labor less. Sail more. ⛵

Our LABOR DAY SALE is happening now through September 8!

Save 15% on eligible products at Sailmaker’s Supply and stock up for the boat projects still on your list this season.

Whether you’re working on canvas, upholstery, sail repair or another DIY marine project, this is a great time to grab the materials, tools and supplies you need to get it done.

Use code SAILMORE15 at checkout.

🛒 Shop now (link in comments)

Not sure what you need for your project? Ask Jean. She’s always happy to help you figure it out before you order.

Sale ends September 8, 2026. Excludes Ultrasuede® products. Other restrictions may apply.

Shop premium sailcloth, Sunbrella® marine fabrics, thread, and sewing supplies. Expert materials and guidance for DIY and professional sailmakers.

09/02/2026

👉 Why a hot knife can save you cleanup later.

Ever cut synthetic fabric or rope and watched the edge immediately start to fray?

That’s why canvas and sail shops use a hot knife.

The Engle Hot Knife, available at Sailmaker's Supply, cuts AND seals the edge of synthetic materials at the same time. Jean recommends it for materials like sailcloth and Sunbrella®, and it can also be used on rope.

It’s one of those tools that feels like a luxury until you use it, then you wonder why you fought frayed edges for so long.

If you’re not sure whether a hot knife makes sense for the material you’re using, ask Jean before you cut.

08/28/2026

Want shade without turning the cockpit into an oven?

That’s exactly where an open-weave marine mesh can make sense.

Phifertex is a vinyl-coated polyester mesh that Sailmaker’s Supply recommends for projects like cockpit shade panels, sling seating, awnings, sheet bags, and outdoor cushions. Regular Phifertex shades about 70% while still allowing you to see through it and letting the breeze move through. Phifertex Plus has a tighter weave and provides even more shade.

The key is choosing material based on what you want the finished project to DO, not just how it looks.

Working on a shade or mesh project? Tell Jean what you’re making, and she’ll help you figure out which option makes sense.

08/26/2026

Reviews like this make our day. ❤️

A big thank you to Holly for taking the time to share her experience with Sailmaker’s Supply!

We know that when you’re in the middle of a project and realize you need more supplies, you don’t want to wait. We’re always happy to help you find what you need and get you back to work as quickly as we can.

And yes, the candy is a little tradition around here. 🍬😊

Thank you, Holly, for trusting us with your projects. We truly appreciate your business!

Happy sailing,
Jean