TM 10-8400-201-23
2-5. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF UNIFORMS-Continued
(3) Patching Garments may be patched by either the iron on or stitched patches.
(4) Sewing machine repairs, stitching and restitching. All sewing, except emergency repair, shall be machine sewn.
When ends of machine stitching type 301 are not caught in other seams or stitching, they shall be backstitched not
less than 1 inch (2.54 cm) at each break. Ends of a continuous line of stitching shall overlap not less than 1/2 inch
(1.27 cm). Thread breaks (all stitch types) shall be repaired by stitching back of the break not less than 1/2 inch
(1.27 cm). Thread tension shall be properly maintained to avoid loose stitching and locks shall be imbedded in the
center of the material sewn. Thread breaks in edge stitching shall be overlocked not less than 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) at
each break. Stitch spacing used for restitching and type of seams, shall be the same as in all construction. Seams
with loose and/or weak thread shall be restitched. For illustrations of the various types of stitches used, see FED
STD.-751. The following types of stitch, thread size and stitches per inch 2.54 cm) are required for the repair (table
2-3).
Table 2-3. Stitching Instruction
ITEM NO.
LOCATION
STITCH TYPE
THREAD
STITCHES
NEEDLE BOBBIN
PER INCH
1 and 2
GENERAL
301
50/3
50/3
10-14
1 and 2
GENERAL
401
50/3
50/3
10-14
1 and 2
OVEREDGE
502
50/3
50/3
6-10
STITCHING
503
504
1 and 2
*BARTACKS
BARTACKS
50/3
50/3
28 PER BARTACK
1 and 2
*BUTTONHOLES
BUTTONHOLES
50/3
50/3
44-46 PER
BUTTONHOLE
1 and 2
*BUTTONS
101 OR
50/3
20-24
PER BUTTON
301
50/3
50/3
14-16 PER BUTTON
1 and 2
*EYELETS
EYELET
50/3
50/3
19-24 PER EYELET
MACHINE
* May be repaired by hand using double ply of 50/3 thread.
(5) Patching and darning. Patching and darning may be applied to any area of the two Items. Repair small tears not
more than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) across with a darning or zigzag stitch. Patch holes with a diameter of 1/4 inch (0.635
cm) or more. Repair rips, tears, and thin areas greater than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) by patching. Patches shall be limited
to a maximum of 2 Inches (5.08 cm) in the greatest dimension. Patches shall match the garment in color and type of
material. Insert patch under damaged area; cut away damaged area and turn edges under approximately 3/8 inch
(0.952 cm). Cut patch large enough to extend 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 3/8 inch (0.952 cm) turn-under of all edges except salvage edges. Pre-cut
all patches to provide for symmetry. Materials shall be those specified in section III.
(a) Buttons. Replace missing, loose, or damaged buttons with buttons conforming to those listed in section III.
Attach the buttons securely and aligned with eyelet of respective buttonholes.
2-9
