McNETT® - Essentials for Adventure^TM

Sleeping Bag Repair

• How to Thread A Needle

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    Step 1:

    Cut the end of the thread at a 45 degree angle. Stiffen the thread with saliva or bees wax. It will be easier to control through the eye than a limp thread. Hold up the needle so the eye of the needle is open toward you. If you are unable to see the eye of the needle, place a contrasting color behind the needle.

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    Step 2:

    Slip the thread into the needle and pull the thread until ends are even. Knot the ends of the thread together (see Knotting The Thread). Straighten the threads and begin sewing. Pull the thread after each stitch to prevent the thread knots.

• Knotting the Thread

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    Step 1:

    After threading the needle, wrap the ends of thread around the pointer finger. Make an “X” whith the tread.

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    Step 2:

    Place your thumb over the “X”. Roll the thread back and forth a couple of times between you pointer finger and thumb.

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    Step 3:

    Slide the knot off your finger with your thumb, rolling the threads together towards the end of your pointer finger while pinching the thread.

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    Step 4:

    Slide the knot to the end of the thread using the end of your pointer finger and thumb.

• Basic Sewing Stitches

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    Running Stitch

    The running stitch is used to make simple seams in fabrics. It is easily completed by passing your needle in and out of the fabric at equal distances of approximately 1/4”. The stitches on the topside of your fabric should be the same length of the stitches on the underside of your fabric.

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    Backstitch

    The backstitch is one of the strongest types of hand-sewn stitches. The back stitch is used for making small, tight seams that will not leak filling (sleeping bags).

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    Step 1:

    Start out by sewing a couple of stitches over the same spot, and then sew a stitch with a space. Insert the needle from the underside of the fabric layers 1/8” to the left of where your stitching will begin. Pull the thread through to the knot.

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    Step 2:

    Insert the needle 1/8 inch behind where the thread emerges (where your stitching will begin). Bring the needle up 1/4” beyond this insertion, and pull the thread snugly. Bring the needle up 1/4” beyond.

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    Step 3:

    Viewed from the top, backstitching appears as a continuous line of even stitches; viewed underneath, the stitches are twice as long as those on top and they overlap at the ends.