How to Use Insignia Fabric

Insignia fabric is used on boats to repair sails and other canvas objects.

Insignia fabric is a type of nautical fabric that is used both in the military and by seafarers alike to patch and repair sails on their ships. Insignia fabric comes in several different colors and shapes, including letters. Some sailors like to use this type of fabric for writing things on their sails or flags. Using this type of fabric is very simple to use and does not take a lot of knowledge of sails, let alone boats. Pretty much anyone can use this type of fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Sails
• Broom
• Wet cloth

Instructions

1. Sweep off the sail of any sand and debris with the broom. You can use any kind of broom you want but you have to make sure that the sail is flat where you want to put the insignia fabric.

2. Wipe down the area where the insignia fabric will go with a wet cloth. The cloth can be soapy if you wish, but it is not necessary.

3. Peel off the backing of the insignia fabric to reveal the adhesive side of the fabric. Place the fabric on top of the sail and make sure that the fabric remains smooth as well as the sail. Use a partner if necessary.

4. Flip the sail over and repeat steps 1 through 3 to the other side of the sail if repairing a rip. If you are using insignia fabric letters, make sure the letters are reading from side to side correctly and you are not putting them on backward.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want, you can alternate a variety of colors when you are adding patches or letters to your sails. This kind of fabric can also be used on other canvas materials such as duffel bags. You can remove the adhesive of the insignia fabric with commercial-grade adhesive remover, available at most home improvement stores.

• If you do not keep both the sail and fabric smooth upon application, the sail and/or fabric will be bunched up when you raise the sail again.

References

• Sail Making
• Sail Maker Supply: Insignia Cloth