TM 10-8400-201-23
10-4. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
(3) Repair
(a) Stitching and restitching. Use machine sewing whenever possible for all stitching and restitching.
Backstitch or bartack all stitching at ends at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) to prevent raveling. Maintain
proper thread tension to prevent loose stitching and to imbed the lock in the center of the material
sewn. When type 401 stitch is used, place looper thread on the underside. The type of stitch, thread
size, and stitches per inch are listed below.
NEEDLE/BOBBIN
STITCHES
USE
STITCH
THREAD
PER INCH
General
301 or 401
30/3 30/3
12-16
Buttonhole
--
30/3 30/3
52 per buttonhole
Button
101 or 301
30/3 -
14-16
Slide fastener
301
30/3 30/3
10-16
Bartack
--
50/3 50/3
28 per bartack
(b)
Patching and darning. Repair small holes and tears not exceeding 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in diameter by
darning. Patch holes, rips, tears, and areas worn thin which are greater than 1/2 Inch (1.27 cm) in
any dimension. The patch will match as nearly as possible the material being repaired In type,
quality, and color. Cut away the damaged area and turn edges under not less than 1/2 inch (1 27
cm) and not more than 1 inch (2.54 cm) around the perimeter of the opening, with not less than 3/8
inch (0.953 cm) turnunder of all edges except selvage edge. Pre-cut patches to provide symmetry.
Inspect previously patched areas and repair if found defective. Cut away all mildew areas and darn,
patch, or replace. Retack defective bartacks, using the original construction method. Repair or
replace missing, loose, or defective gussets. Repair gussets with holes not exceeding 1/2 Inch (1.27
cm) by overlapping edges and hand sewing with an overcast or hidden stitch. When the lower half of
the under sleeve is badly worn, apply patch to cover entire damaged area. Rip out the cuff stitching,
tuck the lower edge of the patch inside, and restitch. Serge all frayed edges. Replace tabs and
other missing parts or parts damaged beyond repair, using original construction method.
(c) Buttons. Replace missing, damaged, or loose buttons with matching ones. Align buttons with
buttonholes.
(d) Slide fasteners. Replace damaged, missing, or malfunctioning slide fasteners with serviceable
ones.
(e) Snap fasteners. Replace missing, loose, or damaged snap fasteners. Darn or patch damaged area
surrounding snap fastener sockets and studs prior to attaching snap fasteners.
(f) Drawcords. Replace missing or defective drawcords in lengths to match original construction.
10-8
