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  1. #1
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    Q for fabric/sewing gurus re Rainshield Pants

    I just bought a pair of Rainshield rain pants that I need to shorten. The website (rainshield.com) calls it a microporous film made from polypropelyne membrane. I put the question of how to shorten the pants to the owner and here's the answer (nonanswer) that I got:

    The seam is ultrasonically seamed and you can only find such technology overseas these days as there aren’t any more machines in the US that do this. Because of this, it is out of expertise to advise you on how to do it any other way then by ultrasonically seaming the hem to maintain the water hold out. It is possible that thread would take and that you could use some sort of strong tape, but again, we couldn’t stand behind that recommendation.

    Has anyone worked with this "fabric" and is there a reliable way to shorten the pants? Should I just cut them and not worry about a hem (they hopefully won't be used alot)? Is there another method that we should try? They only cost $20, so I don't mind experimenting a bit or having a less than perfect solution. Thanks for your help.

  2. #2
    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    The first thing that comes to my mind would be tyvek tape. Sewing with machine would break the membrane and be a possible source of leaks. However if the leaks are at the bottom of the legs that may not be an issue. I would be hesitant to suggest anything like heat sealing as it could very easily damage to the material.

    The film in question is likely a non-woven material. As a result, unless it is a laminate with a woven fabric it would not fray if you simply cut it off and left the bottom untreated. If it is a loose laminate I might not recommend that as you could catch the membrane on trail obstacles and damage it.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

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    Senior Member Nojack's Avatar
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    Could you possibly roll the residual fabric under and tape it on the inside?

    RamblinRev said: "However if the leaks are at the bottom of the legs that may not be an issue."

    In my mind, this would work if you had a pair of gaitors under the pants.

    $20... you won't be out much if you don't get it right.

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    Thanks Rev. I'll look into the Tyvek tape. As you suggest, a little leakage at the bottom (holes from sewing) probably would not be a problem for rain pants. I may just cut it once a little long and see if it frays or wears out too quickly. Then use one of the other options as a fall back.

    Maybe "hot knife" cutting would help? My wife has a wood burner kit with a blade-like attachment (about 3/8 in long). Would that work (on glass with a metal straight edge)?

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    Senior Member Ramblinrev's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckeye Dave View Post
    Maybe "hot knife" cutting would help? My wife has a wood burner kit with a blade-like attachment (about 3/8 in long). Would that work (on glass with a metal straight edge)?
    I would not recommend it. But I know very little about nopn-woven materials. Membrane can be weird things. Instead of cutting nicely like woven synthetics you might find it contracts in to a gooey unfixable mess. If you have enough extra you might give it a try. But my gut says no for whatever that is worth.
    I may be slow... But I sure am gimpy.

    "Bless you child, when you set out to thread a needle don't hold the thread still and fetch the needle up to it; hold the needle still and poke the thread at it; that's the way a woman most always does, but a man always does t'other way."
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    Thanks for the help. I'll report back when we make the cut.

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    Sounds quite similiar to Dri Ducks material.... cuts fine with scissors and sews ok for a rolled hem... Use 8 stitches per inch.

    Pan
    Ounces to Grams.

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    Senior Member BurningCedar's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Peter_pan View Post
    Sounds quite similiar to Dri Ducks material.... cuts fine with scissors and sews ok for a rolled hem... Use 8 stitches per inch.

    Pan
    I did the same thing to my Dri Ducks with no problem whatsoever. Yeah; it will probably no longer be "watertight" at the sewn hem, but its at your ankle. Its gonna get wet there anyway.
    David

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    Senior Member G...Hawk's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Buckeye Dave View Post
    I may just cut it once a little long and see if it frays or wears out too quickly. Then use one of the other options as a fall back.

    Maybe "hot knife" cutting would help? My wife has a wood burner kit with a blade-like attachment (about 3/8 in long). Would that work (on glass with a metal straight edge)?
    Good ideas.

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    Thanks to all for input. HF is a great resource.

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