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• Machines: 301 straight stitch—medium duty 7–11 SPI and 308 zigzag—medium duty 7–11 SPI 

• Equipment: Scissors, seam ripper or scalpel, marking pencil, 6-inch ruler, hot knife, hot glue gun, butane lighter, ripstop tape (optional), and straight pins 

## Procedure 

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 re-stitching broken threads and binding tape repairs. Other damage involves tears, punctures, and fabric abrasion. The appropriate repair varies according to need. There are five primary repair procedures to basic panel repairs: re-stitching, binding tape repair, hidden patches, overlay patches, and single-side fabric patches. 

## Disassembly 

1. Remove all extraneous parts from the container, including canopies, handles, toggles, etc. 

2. Inspect the damaged area to determine which repair method is appropriate. 

## Reassembly 

## Restitching 

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 inches. If this is not possible, then backstitch a minimum of 3 stitches to lock the ends. Repair complete. 

## Binding Tape Repair or Splice 

1. Many times the binding tape is 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. Cut a piece of binding tape a minimum of 1 inch 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 cracks 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] 

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] 

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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. 

