How to Repair a Screen on a Tent

A hole in the screen of your tent can be very annoying if it allows bugs and mosquitoes to enter your sleeping area. The procedure to repair the rip depends on the size of the hole and what supplies you have on hand. Emergency repairs can be done at your campsite with the help of duct tape, while more elegant looking repairs require needle and thread. Professional repair kits to mend your tent screen are available in the camping department of your favorite sporting goods store.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Duct tape emergency repair

Things You’ll Need:

Duct tape
Sewing needle
Thread

Step 1

Emergency repairs can be done in the field with duct tape if you don't have a repair kit or needle and thread with you at camp. Cut a piece of duct tape just a little bit bigger than the hole and place it over the tear in the screen.

Step 2

Make the repair permanent by cutting a matching piece of duct tape and applying it to the other side of the repair. Only do this is you don't mind the look of duct tape on your tent. You may not be able to remove the duct tape without further damaging the tent.

Step 3

Make a temporary repair with duct tape by only applying it to one side. Carefully peel the duct tape off the hole before packing away the tent. Make a permanent repair once the tent is home.

Needle and Thread Repair

Step 1

Mend a hole in the screen with needle and thread for a lasting, less noticeable repair job. Rips or small holes can be sewn back together with little difficulty.

Step 2

Use thread to match the color of the screen, or use clear monofilament thread, which is like very light-weight fishing line.

Step 3

Start the repair about 1/4 inch from the beginning of the rip. Insert the thread into the screen with a needle and tie the thread to the screen with an overhand or slip knot.

Step 4

Whip stitch the repair together. To whip stitch, hold the two sides of the rip together and insert the needle through both layers. Pull the thread tight. Move slightly down the tear and repeat. Continue to sew until the entire rip in the screen is mended. Finish with another knot and clip the thread.

Tips & Warnings

Sticky residue left behind from a temporary duct tape repair can be removed by squirting the area with WD-40. Allow WD-40 to soak in, then wipe with a clean cloth.

Resources

REI: Coghlan's Nylon Tent Repair Kit

Article Written By Denise Bertacchi

Denise Bertacchi is a freelance writer with a degree in journalism from Southeast Missouri State University. She is a St. Louis suburbanite who has written for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Boys' Life, Wisconsin Trails, and Missouri Life.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...