The more I skin with polyester the more I realize that regardless how I shrink the fabric it will stretch back out some. The less I have to shrink it, the tighter it stays. I have come to the conclusion that if you want it to stay tight, sew it tight.

I have a new 11.5 oz fabric that is a very tough fabric and a little stiff. It doesn't shrink very much so I started trying different stitches to sew it on tightly. I found one that works really well and I am able to pull the skin tight. I didn't think it would work well on the loose weave fabrics I sell but some of my customers have tried it and said it worked very well and they didn't get pull holes.

I am now advising my clients to use this method and just pull the fabric tight on the boat to start with. Just shrink any wrinkles you get around the coaming. Sling Shot was the first one I have used on this on and it has been skinned for several months now and I have seen no loosening of the skin.

Here is the video on how I sew it. http://www.kudzucraft.com/video/double-cord.php