Sew patch on a 6.5mm wetsuit?

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jatkins679

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Location
Silicon Valley, CA
Howdy all... I've managed to buy a new IST 6.5mm wetsuit. My first one (which fit perfectly) was stolen. Oh, well, these things happen...

Anyway, I would like to put some sort of marking on my new wetsuit to discourage it being stolen, too. Ink lettering didn't seem to hold too well on my last wetsuit (didn't prevent it from being stolen, either!).

What about sewing a patch on it? Would this compromise the integrity of the neoprene? Have any of you done this? Any suggestions from you who have done this before?

(Thanks for the help from you all in my quest to find a new wetsuit, too. I appreciate it.)

Regards,

John
 
If you're using a sewing machine, remember not to use stitches real close together. You'll just be cutting the neoprene. I'd use 4-6 stitches to the inch. The upper shoulder would be an easy place to get to with a sewing machine. But remember, if you sew it on, someone can always cut the threads and remove it! Oh yea, thread. I'd use a good quality polyester thread. It's strong and almost indestructable.

We've marked our wetsuits on the inside with a paint pen. It's flexible when it dries and has held up for a couple of years really well.

Bottom line, if someone wants your stuff, they'll take it. But by marking it in some way will make an 'honest thief' think twice.



 
OK John,

Here's the guaranteed way not to get your wetsuit stolen. Do what I did, found a Leopard Print wetsuit also one of Gold Lamae, left one of them on the beach for 3 (count em)days came back and they were still there, along with $50.00 cash. Guess somebody felt sorry for me. Go figure.

This method is completely foolproof, unless I'm in the area, then all bets are off.

ID
 
Dee,

Thanks for the advice, I appreciate it. Putting a small patch on the sleeve or leg of my wetsuit has the same principle behind it as window etching on cars: it doesn't stop a thief from taking it. But removing the patch/etching is enough of a hassle that most people will probably move onto an easier theft instead.

Yeah, I'm just thinking a small patch of some sort. Not a diver down patch since that wouldn't be very unique. Maybe a star of life (I'm a former firefighter/EMT) or who knows. Maybe just have a patch with my last name on it.

Thanks again,

John
 
I hate to counter what someone else has said but don't use a sewing machine to apply the patch!!

Sewing machines, at least most home style machines, punch holes through the material and damage water tight integrity. Additionally, it reduces the strength of the material in the general area of the sewing job which can lead to premature failure.

Instead, hand sew the patch and only dig the needle into the nylon covering. Wetsuit manufacturers use a machine with a curved needle that sews the nylon together without penetrating much of the neoprene. That way, you will have your patch in place and you will not have damaged the suit.

Just my $.02

Ray Contreras
http://www.ossystems.com
 
What about using Aquaseal to glue the patch on?

~SubMariner~
 
I come from a longtime seamstress background. I know small stitches on a sewing machine will just act like a perforation line that will easily rip but long stitches seldom do it. BUT I have never sewn neoprene! I didn't know about sewing just the nylon part together. I should have known better... My fault...should not advise with no personal knowledge.

John...ignore what I said and listen to Ray!!!
 
https://www.shearwater.com/products/swift/

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