How to Repair a Tent Screen

Many tents feature a screen which may be zipped across the entrance to allow fresh air to flow and circulate through the tent. The screen also prevents unwanted insects from entering the tent. It may become necessary to repair the screen in a tent due to a rip or tear. However, except in cases of very large rips, it is possible make a repair without having to replace the screen.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Screen patch (scrap piece of tent screen)
Scissors
Safety pins
Needle
Thread

Step 1

Cut a piece of screen material that is larger than the damaged area. A good guide is to cut the patch so that it is about 1 inch larger than the rip on all sides.

Step 2

Pin the patch in place using small safety pins. The pins will hold the patch securely in place and allow both hands to be used when making the repair.

Step 3

Thread a needle. The needle should be large enough to be worked with comfortably but should also fit through the small squares of the screen material. Use waxed or treated thread which will hold up to weather exposure and resist rotting.

Step 4

Sew completely around the rip. Take care when sewing and allow sufficient time to properly make the repair.

Step 5

Complete the repair by stitching immediately around the rip itself. This will provide additional reinforcement to the damaged area. Remove the safety pins.

Tips & Warnings

The proper patching of a tent screen is somewhat time consuming. Allow enough time to do a good job.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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