5. After sewing, wrap a few turns of thread around
Wash synthetic fabrics, such as stretch-type
the stitches between the button and the cloth. Finish up
socks, in mild soap or synthetic detergent, using
by stitching through the wrapped thread a number of
lukewarm or cool water.
times and locking the stitches with a knot.
PRESSING CLOTHING
REPAIRING RIPS AND TEARS
Press clothing after it has been cleaned and all spots
To mend a ripped seam, place the two edges together
removed. Never press dirty clothing. Observe the
and sew, keeping the stitches small and in line with those
following instructions when pressing:
already made. To mend a tear, place the two edges on
Make certain the iron is not too hot. Use the
the wrong (or inside) side and sew together. To mend a
temperature settings on the iron as required for the type
frayed edge, turn the edge under and sew.
of clothing being pressed.
BOOTS AND SHOES
Use a damp cloth between the iron and the fabric
when pressing wool clothing.
Anew pair of boots or shoes should not be fitted too
Dampen the surface of cotton clothing and apply
snugly with the expectation that they will stretch. They
the iron directly to it; when a steam iron is used,
should fit properly when new. Whenever possible, wear
dampening is not required.
one pair one day and another pair the next to allow them
to dry between wearings. In cleaning boots, scrape dirt
STORING CLOTHING
or mud away with a flat stick, brush, or anything dull
that will not cut the leather. Using a small hand brush,
Observe the following instructions when storing
wash them with mild soap and very little water. Remove
clothing:
all the soapsuds, and wipe the inside dry with a clean
cloth. Stuff paper in the toes while the boots or shoes are
Make certain the clothing is clean.
still wet to keep the leather from shrinking out of shape.
Brush, sun, and air-dry all wool and cotton
Dry the boots or shoes slowly in a warm, dry place. Do
clothing before storing to avoid mildew in humid
not dry by exposing them to hot sun, fire, or other strong
weather. Do not fold clothing when wet or place wet
heat, because it may injure the rubber or leather. Be sure
clothing in a bag or pack Use naphthalene or mothballs
that boots or shoes are replaced or repaired when they
to protect wool clothing from insects.
show signs of excessive wear. Do not wait. A pair of
shoes that is not in good repair can cause severe
Make certain that coated clothing is cool and dry
discomfort and lessen your effectiveness, so take care
before folding it for storage. When possible, fold it so a
of them.
coated side is against an uncoated side to avoid sticking.
When possible, dust-coat clothing with talcum before
CANVAS EQUIPMENT
storing.
Clean canvas equipment, such as bags and packs,
REPLACING BUTTONS
by dipping them vigorously in a pail of water containing
mild soap or detergent. Do not scrub them with a stiff
Observe the following procedures when replacing
brush because it damages the material. Dry canvas items
buttons:
in the shade or indoors. Never wash or dry canvas items
1. First, thread the needle and tie the two ends of
in automatic machines. Always repair small rips and
the thread together.
tears as soon as possible.
2. Put the needle through the cloth and stitch
WEB EQUIPMENT
several times to anchor the end of the thread.
3. Next, put the needle through the button and
Clean web equipment in the same manner as canvas.
allow it to slide down the thread.
Never use chlorine, yellow issue soap, cleaning fluids,
4. Stitch through the cloth and the holes, first on
or dyes. Do not attempt to dye or repair web equipment.
one side then on the other. Hold the button away from
When web equipment is old or damaged, turn it in for
the cloth, just a little, to help prevent straining the cloth.
replacement.
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