In my headsail wardrobe ive got a 4, 3 and a (i think) 1+2 in one.
So my main headsail has what looks like extra clews/foot to reef this sail. Whats the best way to do this? Was out in 20+ the other day but had a mate with me. I briefly tried it. Got a bit of flapping from the excess sail...would you normally contain that excess sail somehow or let it flap? I didnt muck around too much as i had a mate onboard. Ill give it another go this morning.

Normally the sail would have eyes (or some modern ones have a zip) to contain the rolled up excess sail.

I guess the procedure would be something like....
- Attach a new sheet to the higher cringle
- Ease sheet if sheeted on hard
- lower halyard and attach new tack to deck shackle
- tighten sheet and halyard
- bundle up excess sail like you would a reefed main

here is a good discussion
forums.sailinganarchy.com/index.php?/topic/112991-reefing-jib/

Thanks alot for that. I reefed it today. Worked well. I didnt really tidy up the excess sail but next i will. Good read there too. Thanks for.that ??

So i think my big main jib is a 1 & 2. Often ive needed just the next size down. The 3 and 4 are too small. Today was perfect with the reefed number 1 making it a 2. Just gotta tidy up the excess sail but it was ok anyway.

At least your sail keeps its shape as compared to roller reefing and in the harbour your not worried about green water over the bow.

Mini Transat 650's use a reefing headsail. Check out their images. Very common in the 50's and 60's, everything comes around again!

www.katrinahamracing.com/