3 Basic Methods for Stitching Neoprene Fabric

History states that Neoprene fabric was invented by DuPont® in 1930, and neoprene wetsuits, shoes, gloves, and hoods have been keeping boaters warm for years. The manufacturing process for neoprene used in these garments makes millions of tiny gas bubbles in the material that interfere with the transfer of heat through it.

By itself, this neoprene isn't very rugged, so usually woven fabrics are glued over it for protection. Wetsuits and other neoprene boating apparel work best by fitting snugly, minimizing the amount of water that can get inside the garment. And you don't want water being exchanged in and out because it will be carry body heat with it.

It’s important that you know how the garments are stitched, as it makes a difference in how well they perform. Well, here are the basic stitching methods used for constructing neoprene boating apparel.

Single-Needle Stitch

This is the simplest type of stitch and is typically only found on thin neoprene gloves. It isn't waterproof, and it makes a bulge on the inside of the garment. Garments have to be designed to avoid this stitch in pressure-point areas.

Flat-Lock Stitch

In this stitch, the edges of the neoprene are butted or overlapped together, and two or four needles punch all the way through the material to make a flat, interlocking thread pattern that is very strong and comfortable against the skin. The many holes created do allow considerable water penetration. The "mauser" stitch used on some garments is a type of flat-lock stitch.

Blind-Stitch

Here, the edges of the material are first glued together. Then a special sewing machine with a curved needle stitches the seam, with the needle only penetrating the face fabric on one side of the material. This very strong, watertight seam is more expensive and is found on top-quality items. 3 mm thick neoprene is the practical minimum material thickness for this stitch.