Note: Besides holding the canopy, the container’s main function is to protect the canopy from damage.
To that end, a certain amount of wear and damage is to be expected. The most common repairs
involve restitching broken threads and binding tape repairs. Other damage involves tears, punctures,
and fabric abrasion. The appropriate repair will vary according to need. There are five primary repair
procedures to basic panel repairs. They are: restitching, binding tape repair, hidden patches, overlay
patches, and single-side fabric patches.
1.0 DISASSEMBLY:
1.1 Remove all extraneous parts from the container, including canopies, handles, toggles, etc.
1.2 Inspect the damaged area to determine which repair method is appropriate.
2.0 REASSEMBLY:
2.1 RESTITCHING.
2.1.1 Using the same type and color of thread, sew directly over the original stitching. The amount
of overstitch may vary according to location. If the affected area is completely exposed and
accessible, overstitch the ends of the damaged area a minimum of 1.25". If this is not possible,
then backstitch a minimum of 3 stitches to lock the
ends. Repair complete.
2.2 BINDING TAPE REPAIR OR SPLICE.
2.2.1 Many times the binding tape will be worn through due to
bridle abrasion or other wear patterns [Figure A]. Rather
than remove the panel and rebind it, a practical and cost
effective repair is to overlay a section of new binding over
the damaged area.
2.2.2 Cut a piece of binding tape a minimum of 1" longer than the damaged area. Scissor cut the
tape and then lightly sear with the butane lighter [Figure B]. If the tape is cut with a hot knife
and then folded, the cut edge will crack at the hot-knifed end. Searing with the lighter results
in a more flexible end. Fold the tape in half lengthwise to form a crease. Take a marking pencil
and mark the crease [Figure C].
2.2.3 Overlay the new tape over the damaged area and mark the start of where the new tape begins
and covers the damaged area completely [Figure D].
2.2.4 Overstitch the original tape on the inside row up to the point where the new tape is to start.
Leave the needle in the material. Place the folded tape over the damaged area and hold tightly
in place. Make sure that the edge is pushed up against the original and the end is against the
needle [Figure E]. The next stitch should catch the new tape.
2.2.5 Stitch the new piece and overstitch the end a minimum of 1.25" or 3 stitches. Repeat with the
outside row of stitches. Repair complete.
2.3 HIDDEN PATCHES. This type of repair has never had a name, but it is self-descriptive. It
works well on tears and punctures. Done properly, it is a very cosmetic and cost effective
repair.
2.3.1 Take a piece of adhesive tape and place on the outside of the damaged area to hold the edges
together [Figure F].
2.3.2 Turn the panel inside out, take the glue gun and glue a small piece of Ty-3 tape 1" longer over
the damaged area [Figure G]. Do not fold the ends under. Remove the adhesive tape from the
outside.
2.3.3 Stitch around the outer perimeter of the Ty-3 tape using matching colored thread to the container
fabric. If necessary, increase the upper thread tension so that the outside (bottom)
thread shows good tension.
2.3.4 Take the zigzag machine, again with matching color thread, and set the stitch width to its
widest setting and 7-11 SPI length. Overstitch the exposed edges of the cut area to draw them
together [Figure H]. Repair complete.
2.4 OVERLAY PATCHES. These are similar to a fabric patch but use a piece of tape or webbing
to cover the damaged area. In effect it is the same as the hidden patch but usually larger and
is on the outside of the panel. It is a sturdy patch but not very cosmetic.
2.4.1 Using a hot knife, cut a piece of tape or webbing such as Ty-12, big enough to cover the damaged
area. Allow enough to fold the cut ends under. Fold the ends under and glue down to
itself [Figure J].
2.4.2 Lay the patch in place over the damaged area and mark the corners with a marking pencil
[Figure K].
2.4.3 Take a straight pin and transfer the corners of the patch area through to the inside [Figure L].
2.4.4 If on a main container, take a piece of Ty-3 tape big enough to match the outside patch as
marked. Cover the inside of the damaged area with the tape.
2.4.5 Pin or glue the tape patch to the inside as marked. Use the single needle to sew around the
patch overstitching the ends a minimum of 1".
2.4.6 Take the zigzag machine and stitch the edges of the damaged area together as in 2.3.4 [Figure
M]. Repair complete.
2.5 SINGLE-SIDE FABRIC PATCHES. For most fabric patches on a container panel, there is
not enough area to perform a proper French fell seam patch. Consequently, the single-side
patch is the most common technique used. By using matching fabric and thread, a large damaged
area may be covered to affect the necessary repair. While called a single-side patch, in
effect it is an enlarged version of the overlay patch. A smaller piece of webbing or fabric is
used to cover the damaged area on the inside and the outside is covered with the single-side
patch. This technique is used where there may be large holes or widespread damage and
replacement of the panel not practical.
2.5.1 Duplicate steps 2.4.1 thru 2.4.5 but substitute webbing for the inside patch and use container
fabric for the outside patch.
2.5.2 Fold the edges of the outside patch under a minimum of .5". Stitch around the perimeter
approximately .12" from the edge. Run a second row of stitches approximately .25" inside
and parallel to the first. [Figure N] This will give added strength to the patch and an appearance
of a French fell seam patch. Repair complete.
3.0 INSPECTION:
3.1 Check thread tensions, stitches per inch, and overstitch lengths.
3.2 Damaged area must be covered completely.
3.3 For the overlay and single-side patches, make sure the stitch patterns catch both sides of the
patch materials completely.
