How to Darn a Sock

Steps

1. 1. Choose a Pearl Cotton Darning Thread to Match the Sock

   Look at the sock fabric closely. Thicker, chunkier socks need a heavier thread - Eleganza #3 weight pearl cotton matches well.

   Tip: For visible-mending style (where you want the patch to show as decoration), pick a contrast color in the same weight.

   

2. 2. Stretch the Sock Over a Darning Mushroom or Darning Egg

   Slide the sock over the wooden darning mushroom (a curved-top tool that mimics a heel or toe shape) so the hole sits centered on the wide curved surface. The mushroom gives you a hard, smooth surface to stitch against.

   Tip: No darning mushroom? A tennis ball or a small smooth rock works almost as well. Just slip the sock over it and hold the fabric taut with your free hand while you stitch.

   

3. 3. Lay the Warp Threads Across the Hole with a Darning Needle

   Cut about 20 inches of darning thread (longer for bigger holes) and thread your darning needle. Starting at the top right corner of the hole, push the needle down through the sock fabric just past the edge of the hole.

   Tip: Start each warp thread three or four rows into sound fabric, not at the edge of the hole.

   

4. 4. Weave the Weft Over and Under the Warp Threads

   Switch to the same color or a contrast color thread (visible-mending style). Starting at the top of the patch, weave the needle perpendicular to the foundation - over the first thread, under the second, over the third, and so on across the whole row.

   Tip: Don't pull the weaving threads too tight - the patch should sit flat against the foundation, not pinch it together.

   

5. 5. Tie Off the Thread Inside the Sock and Trim the Tails

   Once you've woven across the whole hole and slightly past the edges, take the rubber band off the mushroom and slip the sock off. Push the needle through to the inside of the sock at the patch's edge.

   Tip: On a thin dress sock, skip the knot if you can feel it underfoot. Three or four small running stitches on the inside hold the tail fine and lie flatter.

   

6. 6. Press the Darned Patch Flat with a Warm Iron

   Lay the sock flat on an ironing board, patch facing up. Run a warm iron (no steam) over the patch for a few seconds.

   Tip: If your sock is wool or a delicate blend, use a press cloth (a thin cotton towel) between the iron and the sock so the wool doesn't scorch.