How to Patch Holes & Rips in Sails

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Whether you are inspecting your sails at the end of boating season — or if you are still on the water and find a hole — knowing how to repair holes and rips in your sail is very important. This is an issue you want to tackle right away, as rips and holes can grow if not fixed immediately. Let us show you how to patch holes and tears in your sail in our handy how-to video.
Materials List:
  • Dacron® sailcloth from Sailrite roughly the weight of the sail (+/- 1 ounce)
  • Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Sailmaking & Vinyl (50 yds.) – #659
  • Tex 90 (V-92) White UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.) – #100079
Tools List:
  • Gingher® 8" Scissors Right Handed – #19104
  • Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V) – #311602
  • Pencil

How to Patch a Hole in Your Sail

If you’ve got a hole in your sail — don’t panic! No, you don’t have to sew a completely new sail. You can make a patch and sew it onto your existing sail and it will not compromise the sail in any way. This will save you both time and a huge expense by not having to sew a new sail or having to pay a sail shop to make you a new one. And patching holes in your sail is a quick fix to get you back on the water as soon as possible.

This is an easy DIY that requires very few supplies and materials. First, you’ll want to trace a patch from new sailcloth to sew onto your existing sail. The patch should be at least 1" larger in circumference than the hole. This will give you plenty of space to sew your patch without getting your stitching too close to the hole. You’ll use Seamstick Basting Tape to baste the patch onto the sail, and then zigzag stitch the patch onto the sail.

That’s all there is to it! Now that you’ve patched your sail, take a look at any other repairs that are needed for your boat. Our Sail Repair category of blogs will help you get your sail back in tip-top shape! We also have blogs and tutorials on canvas repair and sewing your own canvas for your boat. Check them out and start your DIY journey today!

Materials List:

Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Sailmaking & Vinyl (50 yds.)

#659

Seamstick 3/8" Basting Tape for Sailmaking & Vinyl (50 yds.)

Tex 90 (V-92) White UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.)

#100079

Tex 90 (V-92) White UV Bonded Polyester Thread 4 oz. (1,350 yds.)

Tools List:

Gingher 8" Scissors Right Handed

#19104

Gingher® 8" Scissors Right Handed

Sailrite Ultrafeed LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V)

#311602

Sailrite® Ultrafeed® LSZ Walking Foot Sewing Machine (110V)

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