Sewing Machine Attachments The most common attachment that the rigger uses is a tape  folder or “binder.” This attachment folds tape, typically ¾-  inch Type-3, used for binding the edges of container, bags,  or any material needing an edge binder. Used in conjunction  with a double-needle machine, it folds the tape in half for  a professional appearance and greatly speeds up the work.  [Figure 6-82]  Another type of attachment is used to feed reinforcing tape  such as  3 ⁄8-inch Type-3 onto a canopy seam. This is a simple  guide that is attached to the presser foot and feeds the tape  evenly to the needles. Yet another attachment is a seam folder  used to make a French fell seam in canopy construction.  Figure 6-85  shows both of the above attachments used in  conjunction with each other. Over the years, the sewing  industry has developed literally hundreds of different  attachments to speed up and improve the sewing process. There are two types of folders. One is a straight folder where  the tape is fed straight into the machine under the presser foot.  [Figure 6-83]  This folder is used for most straight binding,  has minimal adjustments, and is the least expensive usually  costing around 35 dollars. The second type of folder is a  right angle folder.  [Figure 6-84]  The best models of these  are custom built by companies that specialize in attachments.  They utilize special feed dogs, throat plates, and presser feet  in addition to the folder. This type of folder is hinged to swing  out of the way for changing bobbins. Most machines have  several adjustments that allow for fine tuning the folder for  optimum performance depending on the tape used. Folders  can cost several hundred dollars. Figure 6-84.  Right angle binder. Figure 6-82.  Material with binding tape. Figure 6-85.  Tape feeder and French seam folder. Figure 6-83.  Straight binder. The Parachute Loft The term “loft” comes from earlier times when the area used  to pack and maintain parachutes was usually situated in the  aircraft hangar above the aircraft. Hence, the term“loft.” The  name has continued to this day and is synonymous with the  parachute workshop. Under, 14 CFR part 65, section 65.127(b), a rigger must  have: “Suitable housing that is adequately heated, lighted, and  ventilated for drying and airing parachutes.” Under 14 CFR  part 65, section 65.127(d), the rigger must have: “Adequate  6-24