1.0 On lightweight material, the rigger should first set up the machine with similar material and
thickness to set the tension of the machine before sewing the actual parachute.
1.1 Inspect the damaged thread or seam area. If the thread is
merely broken or frayed, overstitch the seam with a minimum
of 1.25" at each end.
1.2 If the seam is gathered or bunched up [Figure A], it may be
necessary to cut the thread in order to smooth out the seam
and then overstitch the damaged area with a minimum of
1.25" each end [Figure B].
1.3 If the restitching was done on a radial seam of a round
canopy, which has a tape or suspension line within the seam,
make sure you did not catch the tape or line in the stitching.
1.4 For zigzag stitching, such as
on suspension lines, a .25"
overstitch on each end is standard
[Figure C].
2.0 INSPECTION:
2.1 Check that the seam tension and stitch length match the original. Make sure to check top and
bottom.
2.2 Make sure that you have not captured any adjacent fabric in the seam. This is a common mistake
on square canopies where you may have three panels joining together.
2.3 On radial seams, slide the seam material up and down over the tape or line to check for free
movement.
