TM 10-8400-201-23
3-12. REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE-Continued
CAUTION
Do Not Use Substitute Thread. Do Not Use Iron-On Patches For Repairs.
Garments may be patched using stitched patches and non-melting nylon thread, size E, NSN 8310-00-492-8397.
(b) Stitching and restitching. When possible all sewing shall be machine sewn. Regulate the number of stitches as cited
in table 3-1. The thread tension shall be adjusted so that there will be no loose stitching or excessively tight stitching
resulting in puckering of the material sewn. When ends of machine stitching type 301 are not caught in other seams or
stitching, they shall be back-stitched not less than 1 inch. Ends of a continuous line of stitching shall overlap not less
than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). Thread breaks shall be repaired by stitching back over 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 embedded in the center of
the material sewn. Thread breaks in overedge stitching shall be overlocked not less than 3/4 inch (1.91 cm) at each
break. Stitch spacing used on new replacement section, resitching, and types of seams shall be the same as in the
original 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 are to be used as
applicable to the repair.
Table 3-1. Stitching Instructions
STITCH
THREAD
STITCHES
ITEM NO.
LOCATION
TYPE
NEEDLE
BOBBIN
PER INCH
1 and 2
General
301
E
E
10-12
1 and 2
General
401
E
E
10-12
1 and 2
Overedge
502
E
E
6-10
Stitching
503
504
Safety Stitch
515
E
B
10-12
516
519
1 and 2
* Bartacks
Bartacks
E
E
18 per bartack
1 and 2
* Buttonholes
Buttonholes
E
E
44-46 per
buttonhole
1 and 2
Buttons
101 or
E
-
20-24 per
301
E
button
* May be repaired by hand using double ply of E thread.
3-14
