TM 10-8400-201-23
19-6. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE-Continued
(3) Repair
(a) Stitching and restitching. Use machine sewing wherever possible for all stitching and restitching of 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. Restitch 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.
When type 401 stitch is used, place looper thread on the underside For illustration of the various types of
stitches used, see FED. STD NO 751. Thread shall conform to MIL-T-43548 and the type, thread size and
stitches per Inch required for the repair shall be as follows.
THREAD
USE
STITCH TYPE
NEEDLE/BOBBIN
STITCH PER INCH
General
301
70/3
70/3
10-14
General
401
70/3
70/3
10-14
Overedge
502 or
70/3
70/3
6-10
503
Bartacks
-
70/3
70/3
28 per bartack
Buttonholes
304
70/3
70/3
42-52 per buttonholes
Buttons
101 or
70/3
70/3
14-16 per button
301
70/3
70/3
14-16 per button
(b) Patching and darning. Repair rips, tears and holes that will not be visible when garment is worn. Repair rips,
tears and holes in areas 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) or less in greatest dimension Repair rips, tears, and holes
greater than 1/2 Inch (1.27 cm) but not exceeding 1 Inch (2.54 cm) Cut the patch of sufficient size to extend
at least 1/4 to 3/8 inches (0.635 to 0.953 cm) beyond the hole or area to be patched, allowed for a 1/4 inch
(0.635 cm) turn under. Place the patch on the outside and sew it 1/16 to 1/8 inches (0.159 to 0.318 cm) from
the edge of the patch. Cut away damaged area to a square or rectangular shape, depending upon the shape
of the hole, turn the raw edges under 1/4 Inch (0.635 cm) and sew 1/16 to 1/8 inches (0 159 to 0.318 cm)
from the edge.
(c) Button. Replace missing, broken, or damaged buttons using Item listed in Section III
19-12
