TM 10-1670-292-23&P                                                          0012 00 0012 00-4 Table 2.  Stitching and Restitching Specifications - Continued. COMPONENT RECOMMENDED SEWING MACHINE (CODE SYMBOL) STITCHES PER INCH THREAD SIZE Waistband Adjuster Panel LHD LD 5 to 8 7 to 11 3 E Waistband Extension MD 7 to 11 E Deployment Bag DN Darn E or A      Stow Loops LHD 5 to 8 3      Edge Reinforcement Webbing LD 7 to 11 E      Locking Stow Loop Hood LD 7 to 11 E Suspension Line Protector Cover   Tie-Down Loop LD 7 to 11 E Static Line LHD 5 to 8 6 2.    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.  All straight stitching should be locked by backstitching at least ½-inch.   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; follow the original stitch pattern as closely as possible. DARNING (Refer to Tables 1 and 2).  Darning is a sewing procedure used to repair limited size holes, rips, and tears. A darning repair may be made either by hand or by 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.  A darning repair will be preformed 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 the marking is at least ¼-inch back from each edge of the damaged area. b.    Darn the damaged area by sewing the material in a back and forth manner, using size A or E nylon thread.