Table 2-3. Stitching and Restitching Specifications (cont).

ARMY TM 10-1670-278-23&P AIR FORCE T.O. 13C5-26-2 NAVY NAVAIR 13-1-27 Table 2-3. Stitching and Restitching Specifications (cont). Recommended sewing machine Stitches Thread Component (code symbol) per inch size Adapter Web (36 Inches Long) Long Buffer LD 7-11 E Short Buffer LD 7-11 E Webbing Length HD 4-6 5 (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. Zigzag stitching does not require locking; however, zig-zag restitching should extend at least 114 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 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: (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 the 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 2-32). (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 2-32). (d) If applicable, restencil informational data, gore number(s), or identification marks using the criteria in paragraph 2-20. 2-51