TM 10-1670-269-23&P    0034 00 0034 00-3 Table 2.  Stitching and Restitching Specifications Component Recommended Sewing Machine (Code Symbol) Stitches per Inch Thread Size Gore Section LD DN LD ZZ 7 to 11 Darn 7 to 11 7 to 10 E A E E Suspension Line MD ZZ 7 to 11 E V-Tab LD ZZ 7 to 11 7 to 10 E E Upper Lateral Band MD 7 to 11 E Lower Lateral Band MD 7 to 11 E Radial Seam LD 7 to 11 E 2.    Other parachute items.  Stitching and restitching on other parachute items constructed from cloth, canvas, and webbing should be accomplished with thread, which matches the color of the original stitching, when possible.  Backstitching at least ½-inch should lock all straight stitching. Restitching should be locked by overstitching each end of the stitch formation by ½-inch.  Zig-zag stitching does not require locking; however, zig-zag restitching should extend at least ¼-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. ZIG-ZAG SEWING Components of the parachute assembly, except the canopy, made from textile materials that have sustained cut or tear damage may be repaired by zig-zag sewing provided the applicable damaged area does not have any material missing and the cut or tear is straight or L-shaped (refer to table 1 and 2).   Should the damaged area be irregular shaped or have material missing, the repair will be achieved by either darning or patching, as required.  A zig-zag sewing repair will be accomplished with a zig-zag sewing machine, using the following procedures: 1.    Set the sewing machine to the maximum stitch width.   2.    Beginning at a point ¼-inch beyond one end of the cut or tear, stitch lengthwise along the damaged area to a point ¼-inch beyond the opposite end of the cut or tear.