Note: The repair described in the following procedure is a major tear across the bottom surface of
the canopy and includes damage to a non-load-bearing rib.
1.0 DISASSEMBLY:
1.1 Determine the extent of the damage. Mark out the damaged area across the panel, following
the weave of the fabric. Unpick the loaded seams that hold the damaged fabric for at least 8-
10" past the damage area mark. It is always easier to unpick more of the seam to allow better
access to the damaged area. Restitching the seam is
one of the easiest operations. Fighting the canopy
is not.
1.1.2 Unpick the non-loaded seam the same distance as
the loaded seams.
1.1.3 Lay the canopy on the floor, take the pin board or
cardboard box and position it under the damaged
area. Take the scotch tape and tape the raw edges of
the tear together to stabilize the panel [Figure A].
1.2 Mark a line on the fabric at least 2" from the damage area [Figure C] on both sides of the
damaged panel.
2.0 REASSEMBLY:
2.1 Cut a piece of fabric approximately 6" wider and longer than the damaged panel area. Make
sure that one of the edges is straight and even with the weave of the fabric. Trim one of the
adjacent sides at 90 degrees to the straight edge.
2.2 Mark a line parallel to the straight edge at .75" from the edge. Center the new panel on the
damaged one. Fold the fabric on this line and pin in place along the damage line [Figure D].
Smooth the new panel fabric over the damaged panel to the opposite side. Trim the new panel
.75" longer than the damage line. Fold the fabric at the line and pin in place [Figure E].
2.3 Check the tension of the two panels. They should be equal.
2.4 Take a straightedge and mark the location of the spanwise reinforcing tape [Figure F].
2.5 Sew the panel along the outer edge at .12" from the folded edge.
2.6 Turn the panel inside out. Trim the damaged panel at .62" from the edge of the panel edge
[Figure G].
2.7 Fold the fabric under to create a French fell seam. Sew a stitch row .12" from the folded
edge.
2.8 Sew a piece of reinforcing tape on the bottom of the replacement panel along the line for the
spanwise reinforcing tape [Figure H].
2.9 Repair the non-load-bearing rib with a three-sided patch [Figure J].
2.10 Draw a line along the edge of the partial panel on each side from the point where the old
panel meets the new one. Trim the fabric along this line [Figure K].
2.11 Check the tension of the new partial panel piece against the edges of the other panels that
formed the original seam. They should all be equal [Figure L].
2.12 Refold the original seam with the three panel edges and
stitch as per the original seam [Figure M]. Overstitch a
minimum of 2" on each end.
2.13 If a line attachment has been removed for the repair, the
tab must be replaced. Make sure that the line/tab does not
have a twist in it. Locate it at the correct location and reattach
as per original.
3.0 INSPECTION:
3.1 Check the fabric tension of the replaced panel. It should be
equal to that in the remainder of the cell.
3.2 Spanwise reinforcing tape should be straight and sewn.
3.3 Seams should be folded correctly and thread tension even along both rows of stitching.
3.4 Line should be attached correctly and have no twists.
