Pfaff CREATIVE 2170 SEWING User manual

SEWING

Sewing
Function Buttons
A. Thread Snips Button
B. Pattern start
C. Sew Slow Button
D. Needle Up/Down Button
E. Bobbin Thread Monitor
F. Reverse Sewing Button
A. Thread Snips Button
When pressing this button the machine automatically cuts the bobbin
and needle thread. If you press the button while sewing, the machine
will finish the stitch, make a tie-off and cut the threads.
B. Pattern start
This button has two functions. If you press this button while sewing,
the machine finishes the stitch its own and makes a tie-off. If you press
it once you have stopped the machine, it goes back to the beginning of
that stitch.
C. Sew Slow Button
When pressing this button the sewing speed is lowered.
D. Needle Up/Down Button
If you press this button, the needle automatically comes to rest in the
lower position when you stop sewing. When pressing this button the
following dialog window (G) opens on your screen. You can choose
how high you want the presser foot to be lifted when you take your
foot off the foot control. When you press the foot control again the
presser foot is automatically lowered again. This makes it easy for you
when turning a corner, quilting etc.
ABCD
E
F
G.
H
E. Bobbin Thread Monitor
When the bobbin thread is running out the bobbin thread monitor
flashes.
Note: The Bobbin Thread Monitor only works if the hook cover is closed.
F. Reverse Sewing Button
The Reverse Sewing Button has several different functions in the
sewing mode.
1. If you press the button while sewing, the machine sews in reverse
for as long as you keep the button pressed.
2. If you press this button before starting to sew, the machine sews
in reverse until you press the button again. When the function
is activated, a reverse sewing arrow appears on the Multi Color
Touch Screen (H).
3. If you have activated the Tie-off program, tie-off at the end is
initiated via this button. When the tie-off is selected it is indicated
by that the single stitch icon is activated.
4. In the Patchwork, Tapering, Four sewing directions and Darning
programs, you determine the length of the seams with this button.
5. If you are programming the length of a buttonhole, you determine
the length of the buttonhole seam with this button.
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3:3
Sewing mode functions
A. End to end mirroring
B. Side to side mirroring
C. Four directions sewing
D. Single Stitch
E. Immediate tie-off
F. Tie-off program
G. Tapering
H. Balance
I. Free-motion sewing
J. Twin needle
A. End to end Mirroring
When pressing this button, you mirror the stitch end to end. You will
see the change on the screen.
B. Side to side mirroring
This function mirrors your stitch from side to side. You will see the
stitch change on the screen.
C. Four directions sewing
With this function, you can program the length and width of a
rectangle and the programmed rectangle can be saved permanently in
the machine. This function can be useful for sewing on patches without
having to turn the fabric.
When pressing the Four directions sewing icon a new window appears.
Touch the Program function (K) before starting to sew, to program and
permanently save a Four directions sewing.
Touch the Manual icon (L) to decide where to end an already
programmed side seam. The machine completes the current stitch and
stops. (Read more about four direction sewing on page 3:25.)
The arrow icons decides the sewing directions. The machine sews in
the direction of the selected arrow.
The Data Manager icon (M) will open a window for opening, saving,
deleting and closing a program.
The four direction sewing is available on stitches 2-4, 7, 10, 11, 18, 23
and 25.
K
L
M
AB
CD
EF
GH
IJ

Sewing
Sewing mode functions
A. End to end mirroring
B. Side to side mirroring
C. Four directions sewing
D. Single Stitch
E. Immediate tie-off
F. Tie-off program
G. Tapering
H. Balance
I. Free-motion sewing
J. Twin needle
D. Single Stitch
Stitches and stitch sequences can be sewn as single stitches. By touching
the single stitch button you can decide how many patterns you want to
sew. When pressing this button a new window appears. Touch the ON
button (N) and you can decide how many pattern repeats you want by
touching + and - .
E. Immediate tie-off
If you touch the Immediate tie-off icon, either when sewing or when
the machine is stopped, the machine will not finish the stitch/sequence
but instead do an immediate tie-off.
Note: If you want to start from the beginning of your sequence again you need to press
pattern start.
After you have done an immediate tie-off the machine will stop and
will not start again until you have released the foot control and press it
down again.
The immediate tie-off icon remains active after being touched and
becomes inactive when the tie-off has been completed.
AB
CD
EF
GH
IJ
N
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3:5
F. Tie-off program
The icon for the Tie-off program includes four functions; Tie-off
beginning, Tie-off end, Thread Snips and Presser foot lifter. When
touching the icon a new window appears, making it possible for you
to select the different functions. When a function is selected the icon
becomes dark green and only the symbols for the selected functions are
visible on the icon.
If you select one of the these functions it remains active even if you
select another stitch. They will remain active until you switch off the
machine.
G. Tapering
When touching the tapering icon a new window appears. If you press
the (O) icon the seams starts at 0mm and becomes wider until the
previously selected stitch width is reached. If you press the reverse key,
the width is automatically reduced to 0mm.
If you press the (P) icon the seam starts at the full width and when
pressing the reverse button it goes down to 0mm width.
The stitch will be reduced according to the angle you have chosen (in
this case 90° or 60°).
AB
CD
EF
GH
IJ
Sewing mode functions
A. End to end mirroring
B. Side to side mirroring
C. Four directions sewing
D. Single Stitch
E. Immediate tie-off
F. Tie-off program
G. Tapering
H. Balance
I. Free-motion sewing
J. Twin needle
P
O

Sewing
H. Balance
When touching this icon, a new window pops up, making it possible
for you to balance your stitch. Start by sewing a seam on a piece of
scrap fabric. When balancing your stitch, then change the seam on your
sewing machine so that it looks like your sewing sample. Use the + and
- buttons to change the balance.
I. Free-motion
This function can be used when you want to make free hand
embroideries or when quilting. When touching the Free-motion icon
the machine prompts you to lower the feed dog. The machine will lift
up the presser foot making it possible for you to sew in free-motion.
J. Twin needle
Press this icon when you are sewing with a twin needle. When
touching this icon, a pop up appears where you can set your twin
needle width. Press ON and use the + and - buttons to set the width.
K. Patchwork program
The patchwork program makes it possible for you to program a
particular seam length for joining fabric of equal length and saving
it permanently. When pressing the patchwork program icon a new
window opens.
In the new dialog window, there is an Data Manager icon (where you
can open already saved programs or create a new one) and an ON icon
(to activate the patchwork program).
To make a patchwork program you need to activate the program by
touching ON and OK. Sew your desired length and touch the reverse
button. The reverse button determines the length of the seam. Read
more about how to change the length of the seam and saving the
program on page 4:16-4:17.
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3:7
A
B
C
Welcome Screen
A. Main menu
B. Last stitch
C. Information
Main Menu
When touching the main menu icon, you enter the main menu. In the main
menu you will find the different categories of stitches, reach the embroidery
mode and the Data Manager.
Information
Use this function to obtain general information on how to operate the machine.
Last stitch
The last stitch function makes it possible for you to go back to the stitch you
where on, before turning off the machine.
On the screen that appears when you start your machine, you can choose a
function called Last stitch. When touching that icon a new menu appears where
you can choose either Last stitch or Current state. Choose last stitch and you
will go to the stitch you where on before turning off the machine. The current
state take you to the last embroidery stitch.
If you have activated the current state function when embroidering you can, via
this button, continue to embroider from where you have stopped before you
turned off the machine.
Toolbar
A. Main Menu
B. Context Menu
C. Creative Assistant
D. OK
E. Esc
A. Main Menu
This function allows you to switch back to the main menu, for selection of all
stitches. In this picture you are already on the Main Menu and the icon has then
turned blue.
In the Main Menu, you have different selection menus: Join, Overcast, Utility,
Buttonholes, 9mm Decorative Stitches, MAXI Stitches, Personal Menu,
Alphabets, Sewing Sequence, Stitch Creator, Embroidery, Selection by number,
Last stitch and Data Manager.
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Sewing
B. Context menu
The Context menu always refers specifically to the menu you have
selected. When on the Main menu these menus are active:
1. Select language: This icon allows you to change the language in the
machine.
2. Audio signal: You can change button and message sound.
3. Creative Card: You can format a creative memory card or change
the name.
4. Welcome screen off: this function turns the welcoming screen off so
that you will enter the Main menu directly when you turn on your
machine.
5. Back to default setting: resets all the machines settings that you
have previously changed or you can reactivate the information
texts.
6. Winding speed; choose between slow, medium and fast.
7. Raise the presser foot: choose between not raising it at all, Low,
Medium and High.
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3:9
8. Move hoop: You can use this function when you are sewing with
the embroidery unit attached. In order to move the arm as far away
from the sewing area as possible, touch the sew position icon.
In order to move the embroidery arm so that you can remove the
embroidery unit from the machine, touch the Park position icon.
9. Options for messages: Under the options for messages button you
can turn different messages on or off, for instance if you don't want
the machine to stop when the bobbin thread is running out.
10. Code: The code function allows you to lock your Pfaff creative
2170. Your machines Main Menu will not appear until your security
code has been entered accurately. The code must have at least four
digits, and no more than eight. You can delete the code by pressing
the Delete button or if you want to change the code press the Alter
icon.
11. Personal stitches manager: in the personal menu you can save
a selection of stitches. For example you might want to create a
Personal menu for all the stitches you need for sewing garments.
You can create several personal menus (read more about personal
menus on page 3:27).
12. Demo: with the Demo function you can program a demonstration
of the machine into your creative 2170 and replay it permanently.
Also program in a training sequence to remind you of the steps
for a project. To program a demo, touch the Record demo button.
The opening screen appears instantly and you can start making the
demonstration. With the reverse sewing button you finish and save
your demo.
Note: this is a great feature to turn on when you are learning a new technique while
taking a class.
13. Version: the current software status of your machine is stored here.
14. Firmware update: press this function button when you want to
install an upgrade for your machine. Read more on how to upgrade
your machine on page 2:20.

Sewing
C. Creative Assistant
There is a Creative Assistant function in your sewing machine to help
you. It can be called up anytime. The toolbar then changes color and
the functions assigned to the icons change. If you touch the icon in the
main menu, the Creative Assistant provides general information on
operating the machine. If you touch the Creative Assistant within a
stitch, the direct help function is launched. Pop-up Direct help provides
information on all sewing functions and icons. Simply touch the field
on which you require more information. Information may run to
several pages, through which you can scroll with the arrows.
D. OK
The OK button is used to confirm your actions.
E. Esc
This function allows you to switch back from a menu you have selected
to the previous one. When you close a window the settings you have
made will not be retained; you have interrupted the process.
Note: If you change the embroidery hoop positions those changes will remain even if esc
is touched.
ABCDE
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3:11
How to select a stitch
There are three different ways to select a stitch on your Pfaff creative
2170.
Start by opening the Main menu. On the Main menu the stitches are
divided into different categories. You can select a stitch by touching
one of the categories, and then select the stitch by pressing the icon of
the stitch.
The second way to choose a stitch is to go into one of the categories and
scroll between the different menus by touching the scroll bar. You will
then scroll your way across the different categories of stitches.
When you open the Main menu the Join menu is always selected. If you
press the foot control at this point the display switches to the straight
stitch and your Pfaff creative 2170 is ready to sew. Press the foot control
once again and the machine will start to sew stitch number 1; a straight
stitch. You can touch any stitch and the machine will open a screen for
that stitch (A).
The third way to select a stitch is to touch the icon Selection by number
on the Main menu. A pop-up will appear where you can select a stitch
by pressing the stitch number. You can find stitch numbers on the lid
on your Pfaff creative 2170 and stitch cards or in this User's Guide
(page 1:8-1:13).
If you have opened a menu and want to go back to the main menu,
simply press the ESC button (B).
Altering a utility stitch
When you open a screen the most important settings are visible. To
illustrate this we have chosen a zigzag stitch.
You can modify the settings that are displayed, such as values for
stitch width (this icon changes to needle position for straight stitch)
(C), stitch length (D) and thread tension (E), for the stitch. As soon as
you change a value the numbers will turn red indicating that you have
made a change. Once you have reached the maximum or minimum
value, the function automatically becomes inactive. If you exit the
screen, the stitch settings will go back to the way they were.
Stitch width
Touch the stitch width icon (C) + and - to increase or reduce the width
of a stitch.
Stitch length
Touch the stitch length icon (D) + and - to increase or reduce the length
of a stitch.
Thread tension
Touch the thread tension icon (E) + and - to increase or reduce the
thread tension.
E
C
B
A
D

Sewing
Altering a decorative stitch
When selecting a decorative stitch you have an additional icon called
the Pattern elongation (A). This function makes it possible for you
to change the length of a pattern. Use the + and - icons to make the
pattern longer without changing the density.
Save parameter
You can save the settings you have made by going to the context menu,
and touch Save parameter. Once you have saved the stitch it will stay
that way even if you go into another menu or turn off the machine. If
you want to go back to the original setting, go into the context menu
and choose Reset parameter.
Tie-off
On your creative 2170 there are two different ways to do tie-offs. You
can program your machine to do tie-off at the beginning, at the end, cut
the threads and raise the presser foot. We call this the Tie-off program.
The second way to do tie-offs is the Immediate tie-off (B). If you press
this icon the tie-off is made instantly.
The tie-off program
If you touch the tie-off program icon (C) a new window appears.
Activate by touching the different icons in the popup; Tie-off
beginning, Tie-off end, Thread Snips and Presser foot lifter. The icon of
the activated function change color to dark green (D). Once you have
activated the function/functions you want, touch OK.
When you have activated something in the tie-off program, the Tie-off
program icon (C) changes color to dark green. It will also show the
settings you have made.
D
B
A
C
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3:13
Side to sideEnd to end
Needle positions
On stitches 1, 2, 5, and 15 you can change needle position by touching
the stitch width button (A). These four stitches have 19 different needle
positions. Use the + icon to move the stitches to the right in 0.5 mm
steps. Use the - icon to move the stitches to the left in 0.5 mm steps.
If you look at your lid, the stitches that you can change needle positions
are marked with an arrow.
Mirroring
There are two ways to mirror a stitch; side to side and end to end.
The side to side mirroring you can mirror a marked stitch or stitch
sequence from side to side. The mirrored stitch appears on the screen
for further processing.
The end to end mirroring you can mirror a marked stitch or stitch
sequence from end to end. The mirrored stitch appears on the screen
for further processing.
A

Sewing
Straight stitch
Stitch number 1 is the basic straight stitch in center needle position. The
stitch length can be increased up to 6 mm. Change the needle position
of the straight stitch to sew in a zipper or topstitch along the edge of
a collar. Your Pfaff creative 2170 has 19 needle positions that can be
adjusted with the stitch width -/+ buttons.
Tip: Use the needle up/down button to easily pivot at collar points. You can
also just tap on the foot control to set the needle in the down position.
Three-step Zigzag stitch – No 4
Stitch no 4 can be used to overcast raw edges. Make sure the needle
pierces the fabric on the left side and overcasts the edge on the right
side.
Stitch number 4 can also be used as an elastic stitch to add elastic to
pajamas, skirts and sportswear.
Basting program
Basting is often used in dressmaking to join fabric layers quickly for
fitting in order to be able to adjust the garment to the body. For that
purpose you either sew long stitches with 6 mm stitch length or jump
stitches with a length of about 2 cm.
You can also apply markings to materials with long basting stitches
stitched through the material to be used. This is preferable to using
fabric markers in color, especially on light-colored fabrics or materials
with a rough texture.
Your Pfaff creative 2170 includes a basting program which can be
selected with stitch no. 32.
This program can be used in two different ways and is linked to the
engagement and disengagement of the feed dogs.
If the feed dogs are disengaged, the sewing machine will only sew one
stitch at a time. You have to touch the foot control every time you want
the sewing machine to sew one stitch. This allows you to move the
fabric every time so that you can determine the stitch length yourself.
By touching the Presser foot lifter icon you can select to which height
the presser foot should raise automatically when the sewing machine
stops for feeding the fabric further.
If the feed dogs are engaged, the sewing machine sews with a 6 mm
stitch length. 6 mm is the longest stitch length of the Pfaff creative 2170;
it enables you to sew a temporary seam for fitting.
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3:15
Buttonholes
There are 12 buttonhole styles available in your Pfaff creative 2170.
Each buttonhole is especially adapted for a particular use and fabric
type. You can read about the different buttonholes in the overview in
chapter 1.
Your Pfaff creative 2170 is equipped with the Sensormatic buttonhole
guide and sensor technology to ensure that every buttonhole is sized
accurately. Beautiful buttonholes can be sewn on even the most
difficult fabrics such as velvet, plush, stretch fabrics and heavy knits.
Inserting the sensormatic buttonhole guide
1. Push the metal part of the sensormatic buttonhole guide into the
slot under the two arrows at the back of the needle plate. The white
plastic part goes over the needle plate, covering the feed dogs (see
picture).
2. Slide the guide towards you until it lies against the rear of the
free arm. The guide will spring rear slightly. There should be a
small gap between the needle plate and the guide as shown on the
picture.
Inserting the sensormatic buttonhole guide activates the sensor.
Attaching buttonhole foot – No 5A
Attach buttonhole foot No. 5A to sew buttonholes.
Before starting to sew, pull the slide of the foot towards you until the
red arrow matches the second red mark.

Sewing
How to sew a buttonhole
Choose Buttonholes from the main menu and select the buttonhole
of your choice. For this example we have chosen buttonhole no. 47.
The most important settings are visible on the screen. There are three
different ways of sewing a buttonhole: automatically, programmed or
manually.
Automatic buttonhole
Enter the buttonhole length directly on the screen by touching the +
and - icon on the Stitch elongation icon (A). Enter the length of the slit
of your buttonhole. Start to sew your buttonhole by pressing the foot
control. The buttonhole will be sewn automatically.
Programmed buttonhole
You can program a buttonhole while sewing.
1. Activate the buttonhole program by touching the prog icon (B).
2. Sew until you reach the buttonhole size you want and press the
reverse button. The machine sews in reverse and the second bartack
and cuts the threads.
3. The prog icon changes into this (C) icon. You can repeat the
programmed buttonhole as many times as you want.
4. If you want to clear the size of the buttonhole, touch the prog icon
again.
Manual buttonhole
If you touch the Manual icon (D) you will determine where the last
bartack is sewn.
1. Set the length of the buttonhole by touching the Stitch elongation
icon. The machine will sew the first column, the first bartack and
the second column.
2. After having sewn half of the second column, the machine slows
down. When it is time to do the second bartack, touch the reverse
button and the machine start making the bartack.
Note: The machine will not store the manual buttonhole.
How to balance a buttonhole
Start by sewing a sample of the buttonhole. If you find that one of the
columns are longer than the other you can change the balance of the
buttonhole. Touch the balance icon (E) and a popup appears. Touch the
+ and - buttons (F) to change the buttonhole. You should change the
buttonhole so that it looks like your sewed out sample. The machine
will then correct the buttonhole automatically.
Note: If you would like to sew a buttonhole longer than the 5A foot (50mm) you can sew
without the sensormatic guide but with the 1A foot. To get a perfect result without the
sensormatic guide it might be necessary to balance the buttonhole.
A
B
D
E
F
C
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3:17
Buttonhole with gimp thread
Buttonholes that are sewn with gimp threads are more stable, durable
and has a professional appearing. Use pearl cotton or a regular gimp
thread.
1. Insert the Sensormatic buttonhole guide.
2. Place the center of a length of gimp thread over the metal bar
extending from the center back of the buttonhole foot. Pass the
thread ends under the foot and pull up into the right and left
guides on the front of the presser foot.
3. Attach the buttonhole foot. Before starting to sew, pull it backward
as far as the second red mark.
4. After completing the buttonhole, pull the ends of the gimp thread
until the loop of thread is hidden below the buttonhole bartack.
5. Thread the gimp threads into a needle and pull them to the wrong
side of the garment. Tie the gimp threads and cut off the excess
thread.
Eyelet buttonhole with gimp thread
1. Insert the Sensormatic buttonhole guide. Place the center of a length
of gimp thread over the metal bar extending from the center front
of the Buttonhole foot. Pass the thread ends under the foot and pull
up into the right and left guides on the back of the presser foot.

Sewing
2. Attach the buttonhole foot and pull it backward as far as the second
red mark. Before starting to sew, press the “needle down” button.
3. Sew the right side of the buttonhole.
4. After the machine sews the first few stitches of the curved end pull
the gimp thread down from the clamp with a straight pin.
Note: The presser foot must not be raised from the fabric!
5. Pull the gimp thread on the left towards the rear until the loop is
just in front of the needle. Carefully sew the curve, guiding the
gimp thread under the stitching.
6. After sewing the curve, hold the gimp thread slightly taut and
finish sewing the buttonhole.
7. Thread the gimp threads into a needle and pull them to the wrong
side of the garment. Tie the gimp threads and cut off the excess
thread.
The round buttonhole with gimp thread is sewn in the same way.
Note: This buttonhole is particularly attractive when sewn with a heavier-weight thread.
Buttonhole tips
Buttonholes that are to be sewn very close to a reinforced edge, may
sometimes not feed optimally with the buttonhole foot because of the
bulk at the edge of the fabric. In this case, use presser foot 1A with the
Integrated Dual Feed engaged.
Fabrics that shift or stretch easily should be reinforced with water-
soluble or lightweight stabilizer.
Buttonholes are particularly stable and durable if a gimp cord is
inserted while sewing (see " Buttonholes, with gimp cord").
Linen buttonholes are particularly attractive if you use a heavier-
weight thread through a topstitch needle.
Buttonholes are normally selected a little larger than the button
diameter. It is important to always sew a test buttonhole on the same
fabric/stabilizer as your project.
Cut open all buttonholes carefully. Open the curve of the keyhole
buttonhole with a belt punch or awl.
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3:19
Sewing on buttons
With stitch no. 59 you can easily sew on two and four-hole buttons.
1. Remove the presser foot and lower the feed dog.
2. Mark the button position on your fabric. Place the button on the
marked fabric.
3. Turn the handwheel towards you and position the button so the
needle enters the left hole in the button. Lower the presser foot
lifter.
4. The button will be held in place by the shank of the foot. Make sure
the needle also enters the right hole of the button.
5. Continue sewing on the button. The machine will complete the
program for you.
Eyelets
To stitch eyelets on a belt or linen items, select stitch no. 66.
1. Place a small mark wherever you would like to sew an eyelet.
2. Place the fabric under the presser foot, position one of the marks at
the center of the foot.
3. If the Stitch restart is touched during the sewing operation, the
machine will automatically sew one eyelet and tie off the stitch.
4. Cut a hole in the center of the eyelet. You can select from five eyelet
sizes by touching the stitch length.
Stitch no. 66 can also be combined in embroidery stitch combinations
for beautiful embellishment.

Sewing
Darning
To mend a small hole or tear, you can either do automatically by using
the darning stitches on the machine or darn your tear manually using
by doing Free-motion darning.
Automatic darning
The darning stitches no. 64 and no. 65 can be used for strengthening
damaged areas of fabric.
1. Choose stitch no. 64 or no. 65.
2. Change the pattern length to the length of the tear of touching the +
and -.
3. Stitch over the damaged area.
Programmable Darning
1. Choose stitch no. 64 or no. 65.
2. Touch the program icon.
3. Stitch over the damaged area to the required length.
4. Press the reverse button; the machine finishes sewing the darning
program and the darning length is saved. The saved darning length
can now be repeated as often as needed.
Stitch no. 64 sews lengthwise only; stitch no. 65 is for darning
lengthwise and crosswise and is more durable.
Note: To give the best strength to the darning stitch it should be slightly out of square.
Balancing the darning stitch
Depending on the type of fabric, the darning pattern may shift slightly
out of square. You can balance the program using the adjustment
capability.
Darning with the elastic stitch
Stitch No. 4
The elastic stitch no. 4 is very suitable for repairing small holes and
slightly damaged areas. This is most suitable for light-weight fabrics.
Reduce the stitch length and sew rows of stitches over the damaged
area until it is well covered. Make sure the stitch rows overlap. No
additional backing is needed for these slightly damaged areas.
3:20