DARNING  TM 10-1670-287-23&P  0050 00  2.  Other parachute items. Stitching and re-stitching on other parachute items constructed from cloth,  canvas, and webbing should be accomplished with thread that matches the color of the original  stitching, when possible. All straight stitching should be locked by backstitching at least  ½ -inch. Re- stitching should be locked by overstitching each end of the stitch formation by  ½ -inch. Zig-zag  stitching does not require locking; however, zig-zag re-stitching should extend at least ¼-inch into  undamaged stitching at each end, when possible. Re-stitching should be made directly over the  original stitching; follow the original stitch pattern as closely as possible.  1.  Machine darning. Proceed as follows:  a.  Using an authorized marking aid of contrasting color, mark a square around the damaged area  and ensure the marking is at least ¼-inch back from each edge of the damaged area.  b.  Darn the damaged area by sewing the material in a back and forth manner, using size A or E  nylon thread.  c.  Turn material and stitch back and forth across stitching made in b., above until hole or tear is  completely darned.  (Refer to Tables 1 and 2). Darning is a sewing procedure used to repair limited size holes, rips, and  tears. A darning repair may be made either by hand or by sewing machine, depending upon the method  preferred and the availability of equipment. However, a darning machine should be used to darn small  holes and tears where fabric is missing. A darning repair will be preformed using the following  procedures, as appropriate:  d.  If applicable, restencil informational data or identification marks using the criteria in WP 0052 00.  2.  Hand darning. When repair of a hole or tear is made by hand darning, the darn should match the  original weave of the damaged material as closely as possible. Hand darning is performed as  follows:  a.  Using an authorized marking aid of contrasting color, mark a square around the damaged area  and ensure that the marking is at least ¼-inch back from each edge of the damaged area.  0050 00-3  Back and Forth  Stitching in Both  Directions Hole Marking