TM 10-1670-280-23&P 0014 00
0014 00-4
a. Other parachute items. Stitching and restitching on other parachute items constructed from cloth,
canvas, and webbing should be accomplished with thread that 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.
2. Darning. (Refer to Tables 1 and Table 2.) 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 packs. 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 paragraph applicable to the item are not exceeded. A darning repair will be performed
using the following procedures, as appropriate:
a. Machine darning. Proceed as follows:
(1)
Using an authorized marking aid of contrasting color, mark a square around the damaged area
and ensure that the marking is at least ¼-inch back from each edge of the damaged area. The
marking will be made with the warp and the filling of the material.
(2)
Darn the damaged area by sewing the material in a back-and-forth manner, using size A or E
nylon thread, allowing the stitching to run with the warp or filling of the fabric.
(3)
Turn the material and stitch back and forth across the stitching made in (2) above until the hole
or tear is completely darned.
