..if I spend enough time looking...
OK, just to reply to my own question: I found an interesting site about sewing neoprene:
http://www.qajaqusa.org/cgi-bin/GreenlandTechniqueForum_config.pl/noframes/read/257
Also this:
Probably the best way to determine the quality of a suit is to look at the seams. Are there errant threads sticking out? Is the stitching strong enough to withstand the constant pressure on the seam? Does it allow water to seep through the seam?
If a wetsuit rips, it's usually in a seam, so the type of stitch used is very important. Durability is the most important feature. In most situations, you don't really have to worry too much about making sure the seam is absolutely watertight. However, if you plan on spending a lot of time in the water, especially in cold conditions, then watertight seams are important.
A number of different types are used throughout the industry:
An Overlock Stitch is the most basic stitch in wetsuits and is created by sewing the seams of the suit inside out so the stitch is invisible from the outside of the suit. It is durable and economic, but it does allow some water in through the seams and can be rather bulky.
A Flat-lock Stitch is a weave of six or seven threads which slightly overlap two edges and create a lattice work of threads to secure the sides of the seam together, making it extremely strong and durable. The seam ends up being flat, so it's comfortable. It's rather expensive stitch to use.
A Zig-zag stitch is very flexible and broad, but not as durable as other stitches. Usually, you see this stitch in low stress areas like the cuffs or where padding is attached.
A Blind Stitch is one in which the needle does not go all the way through the neoprene, meaning water doesn't seep through the seam, making it great for cold weather suits. Glue can also added to complete the seal.
Taped Seams are ones in which a strip of material is sewn over the stitched seam, making it watertight.
Zippers are another common area of failure, and nothing is more frustrating than having a zipper blow out. Usually, zippers on wetsuits are made of strong plastic, so they won't corrode. It's an area of high stress, so look carefully at the seams that connect the zipper to the suit.
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..that said, I feel confident now that I can hack apart this wetsuit and bind the new seams with glue, then try a hand-blind stitch, finished with a taped seam. Since it is a wetsuit, I won't freak out too badly if it came down to having to zig-zag stitch the seam (it's supposed to let a little water in, no?)
Maybe I'll take some before and after pictures..?
