Which stitch is used to mend tears in heavy or painted canvas?

The herringbone stitch is specifically designed for mending seams and tears in heavy or painted canvas materials. This stitch creates a strong, zigzag pattern that effectively reinforces the fabric, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications. The nature of the herringbone stitch allows it to distribute stress evenly across the repair area, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of heavy materials like canvas. Additionally, this stitch can accommodate the thickness of the fabric without causing damage, allowing for flexibility and durability in the repair.

While other stitches, such as back stitch, running stitch, and zigzag stitch, are useful for various sewing tasks, they may not provide the same level of strength and support necessary for repairing heavy or painted canvas. Therefore, the herringbone stitch is the preferred choice for this specific application, ensuring that the repair is both robust and long-lasting.