Next I start the process of skinning the qajaq. I am using a nylon fabric from the Skin Boat Store. The sewing technique I am planning on using was demonstrated by Maligiaq Johnsen Padilla at the Michigan Training camp. He used a stitch that is hidden, so in theory I will end up with a very clean looking deck. The challenge will be maintaining a straight line while also maintaining the necessary tension on the skin. Originally this stitch was used to decrease the chance of the sewing holes leaking through the animal hides used to cover the Inuit qajaqs.
