TM 10-8400-201-23
18-6. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE - Continued
(3) Repair.
(a) Stitching and restitching. Use machine sewing whenever possible for all stitching and restitching items.
Backstitch or bartack all stitching at ends to prevent raveling. Maintain proper thread tension to prevent
loose stitching and to imbed the lock in the center of the material sewn. Overlock all thread breaks in
overedge stitching not less than 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) at each break. Re-stitch seams containing loose and/or
broken threads. Overstitch thread breaks in type 301 stitching not less than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) at each
break. For illustrations of the various types of stitches used, see FED STD 751. Thread used will be Army
Green, Shade E, Cable No. 66034, except for seaming sleeve braid where Black Shade AA, Cable No.
66034, thread will be used. Thread size shall conform to V-T-276 of the types and sizes in table 18-4.
Table 18-4. Stitching Instruction.
Use
Stitch
Type
Ticket No.
Ply
Stitches/Inch
Seaming of Coat
General
301
1A3
50
3
12-16
Bartack
1A3
50
3
21
Button Sewing
301
1A3
20
4
14-16
Braid Stitching
1A3
50
3
12-16
Overedge
503 or
1A3
50
3
6-8
504
Buttonholes
1A3
50
3
46-52
(b) Patching and darning. Repair rips and tears that will not be visible when garment is worn. Repair small
rips and tears not more than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) across their greatest dimension by drawing the edges
together and darning with zig-zag stitch. Repair holes, rips and tears greater than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) by
patching when acceptable to appearance standards. Cut patch from material matching that being repaired
and insert under the damaged area. Cut patch large enough to extend from 1/4 to 3/8 inch (0.635 to
0.952cm) around the perimeter of the opening. Darn or patch area in waistband, vent openings, or other
areas that will not be visible when garment is worn.
18-14
