How to Darn a Sock in 4 Easy Steps
Today, I'm going to show you how to darn a sock by hand using a quick and easy technique.
I discovered not many people know how to darn a hole in a sock, so I made this darning tutorial for you. Let's get started!
Tools and materials:
- Darning needle size 9
- Embroidery thread
- Darning egg or substitute
- Thread wax
- Scissors
I used two contrasting threads so you could see the stitches easily.
You can use matching thread if you don't want the darn to show or contrasting thread to make it a feature.
If you don't have a darning egg, use a similar shape like a tennis ball.
1. Prepare the sock and thread
Push your darning egg inside the sock so the area to be darned is smooth and evenly stretched out.
Separate your 6-strand embroidery thread into 3 strands and wax it.
Fold a length in half and insert the loop through the eye of your needle. Pull the thread through carefully, keeping the loop intact.
2. Lock the thread
Working on the right side of the sock, make a small stitch to one side of the darning area on the lower edge.
Pull the thread partially through and insert the needle back through the loop, to lock the thread.
3. Lay the base threads
Make a vertical series of loops over the darning area, taking a small stitch at each end and keeping the fabric stretched over the darning egg. Extend the loops either side of the worn area.
When you need to rethread, make a small backstitch before cutting the thread, and lock the new thread as before.
4. Weave the second thread
Start the weaving threads by taking a small stitch at one side of the loops and locking it.
Working at 90 degrees to the loops, weave the second thread over and under the loops to the other side.
Take a small stitch at the edge so the darning won't pucker, then weave the thread back in the opposite direction.
Continue until the entire area is covered, keeping the tension on the threads as consistent as you can.
How to darn a sock
I'm really pleased that I could repair these, and I hope you enjoyed my darning socks tutorial.
Learning how to darn a hole in a sock means you know how to darn any knitted or woven fabric.
I believe that if something is worth wearing, it's worth repairing. Do you agree? Let me know in the comments below.
If you liked this post, check out my tutorial on 7 Smart Sewing Hacks for Beginners: How to Fix Clothes with Style.
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I learned to darn socks from my grandmother when I was about 8 years old. I darned all the socks for the whole family until I left for college. It’s a skill i have used for patching holes in jeans and jackets, etc. I’m so grateful to have learned this skill some 65 + years ago!
I'm a guy whom has always been curious about repairing socks and your tutorial was "darn" good.