TM 10-1670-201-23
T.O. 13C-1-41
NAVAIR 13-1-17
used, providing all other specifications are met. Straight
stitching and restitching on parachute canopy
assemblies, including pilot parachutes, should be locked
by at least 2 inches at each end of a stitch row, when
possible. Zigzag stitching does not require locking;
however, zigzag restitching should extend at least 1/4
inch into undamaged stitching at each end, when
possible.
When restitching parachute canopy
assemblies, including pilot parachutes, stitch directly
over the original stitching and follow the original stitch
pattern as closely as possible.
b. Other Airdrop Equipment.
Stitching and
restitching on other airdrop equipment constructed from
cloth, canvas, and webbing should be accomplished
with thread which matches the color of the original
stitching, when possible. All straight stitching should be
locked by backstitching at least 1/2 inch. Restitching
should be locked by overstitching each end of the stitch
formation by 1/2 inch. Zigzag stitching does not require
locking; however, zigzag restitching should extend at
least 1/4 inch into undamaged stitching at each end,
when possible. Restitching should be made directly
over the original stitching, following the original stitch
pattern as closely as possible.
3-10. Darning and Zigzag Sewing Repairs.
a. Darning. Darning is a sewing procedure used to
repair limited size holes, rips, and tears in assorted
airdrop items constructed from textile material such as
parachute canopy gore sections and the cloth and
reinforcement webbing of deployment bags, packs, and
cargo. A darning repair may be made either by hand or
sewing machine, depending upon the method preferred
and the availability of equipment. However, a darning
machine should be used to darn small holes and tears
where fabric is missing. Darning of previously patched
material can be performed provided darning size
limitations prescribed in the applicable item equipment
publication are not exceeded. A darning repair will be
performed using the following procedures, as
appropriate:
(1) Machine darning.
(a) Using an authorized marking aid of
contrasting color, mark a square around the damaged
area and insure that the marking is at least 1/4 inch
back from each edge of the damaged area. The
marking will be made with the warp and the filling of the
material.
(b) Darn the damaged area by sewing
Figure 3-1. Darning method using a darning sewing
the material in a back and forth manner, allowing the
machine, typical.
stitching to run with the warp or filling of the fabric (A,
3-3
