ARMY TM 10-1670-282-23&P
AIR FORCE T.O. 13C5-32
NAVY NAVAIR 13-1-33
2-17.
Sewing Procedures (cont).
(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. 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 dam 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:
(1)
Machine darning. Proceed as follows:
(a)
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 filling of the material.
(b)
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 2-39).
(c)
Turn the material and stitch back and forth across the stitching made in (b), above, until the hole or
tear is completely darned (B, figure 2-39).
(d)
If applicable, restencil informational data, gore number(s), or identification marks using the criteria
in paragraph 2-19.
Figure 2-39. Darning Method Using a Darning Sewing Machine.
2-56
