ARMY TM 10-1670-281-23&P
AIR FORCE T.O. 13C5-32-2
NAVY NAVAIR 13-1-32
Table 2-3. Stitching and Restitching Specifications (cont).
Recommended sewing machine
Stitches
Thread
Code symbol
(code symbol)
per inch
Size
Pilot Parachute (68-lnch Diameter)
Canopy panel
LD
7-11
E
DN
Darn
E
Crown inside reinforcement tape
LD
7-11
E
Canopy reinforcing tape
LD
7-11
E
Crown attaching loop
LD
7-11
E
Skirt reinforcement webbing
LD
7-11
E
Suspension line reinforcing tape
ZZ
7-11
FF
LD
7-11
E
Suspension line
ZZ
7-11
E
Static Line
Edge binding
LD
7-11
E
Bag panel
DN
Darn
E
Bridle line
ZZ
7-11
E
Bridle webbing
HD
5-8
3
Tiedown loop
LD
7-11
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. 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. Zig-zag stitching does not require locking;
however, zig-zag 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:
c. Darning. (Refer to tables 2-2 and 2-3). Darning is a sewing procedure used to repair limited size holes,
rips, and tears in assorted air delivery items constructed from textile material such as parachute canopy gore
sections and the cloth and reinforcement webbing of deployment bags. 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:
(1) Using an authorized marking aid of contrasting color, mark a square around the damaged area and
ensure 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.
(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 (A, figure 2-103).
2-109
