Navy Parachute Rigger (PR) Introduction and Sewing Practice Test 2026 - Free Parachute Rigger Practice Questions and Study Guide

Edge distance matters because the grommet transfers load into the surrounding fabric. If the hole is placed too close to the fabric edge, the fibers near that edge are overstressed when a line or strap is loaded, which can cause tearing or the grommet to pull through. Keeping an adequate margin between the edge and the grommet gives the fabric enough material to distribute the load and lets the grommet sit and clinch securely. This helps prevent failure and ensures the attachment remains reliable, which is especially important in parachute gear where high tension is common. Color matching or weight are not affected by edge distance, so those factors aren’t relevant to why edge distance is important.