Darning and Zigzag Sewing Repairs.

TM 10-1670-201-23

T.O. 13C-1-41

NAVAIR 13-1-17

used, providing all other specifications are met. Straight

stitching and restitching on parachute canopy

assemblies, including pilot parachutes, should be locked

by at least 2 inches at each end of a stitch row, when

possible. Zigzag stitching does not require locking;

however, zigzag restitching should extend at least 1/4

inch into undamaged stitching at each end, when

possible.

When restitching parachute canopy

assemblies, including pilot parachutes, stitch directly

over the original stitching and follow the original stitch

pattern as closely as possible.

b. Other Airdrop Equipment.

Stitching and

restitching on other airdrop equipment 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. Zigzag stitching does not require

locking; however, zigzag 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.

3-10. Darning and Zigzag Sewing Repairs.

a. Darning. 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 deployment bags, packs, and

cargo. 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 applicable item equipment

publication are not exceeded. A darning repair will be

performed using the following procedures, as

appropriate:

(1) Machine darning.

(a) Using an authorized marking aid of

contrasting color, mark a square around the damaged

area and insure 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.

(b) Darn the damaged area by sewing

Figure 3-1. Darning method using a darning sewing

the material in a back and forth manner, allowing the

machine, typical.

stitching to run with the warp or filling of the fabric (A,

fig. 3-1).

3-3