How to repair socks with holes and wear for beginners, by Ecoboutique Valentina on YouTube. 10 min 23 s.
- Video length
- 10 min 23 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Turn the sock inside out and slide a darning mushroom, smooth jar or rounded object under the damaged area. The fabric should sit flat and slightly stretched.
Thread a blunt darning needle with yarn about the same thickness as the sock. Leave a short tail and do not tie a knot at the end.
For a thin, worn heel, sew rows of small running stitches across the worn patch. Then weave yarn back across those rows at right angles to build up the thin fabric.
For an open hole, work a ring of small stitches around the edge first. Then run long stitches across the gap in one direction, like a loose ladder.
Weave the needle over and under those long threads in the other direction. Alternate over and under on each row so the patch locks together.
Keep the yarn slack enough that the sock still stretches. Pulling it tight makes a hard lump that rubs and tears again.
For a hole at the toe, turn the sock inside out and pinch the edges together. Sew them with small backstitch or overcast stitches, then turn the sock right side out.
Trim the yarn tails or weave them into the inside of the sock. Press the patch flat with your fingers and gently stretch the sock to check it gives with the fabric.
Tips and common mistakes
Match the yarn to the sock: fine wool yarn for thin wool socks, cotton or sock yarn for everyday cotton blends.
Use a blunt tapestry needle so you push through the gaps in the knit instead of splitting the yarn fibres.
Keep fingers behind the needle and store it in a pin cushion when you stop sewing.
Wash the repaired sock inside out and let it air dry to make the darn last longer.
Questions
Can I darn a sock with normal sewing thread?
Yes for a quick fix, but thread is weak and can cut the knit. Sock yarn or embroidery floss lasts much longer.
Do I need a darning mushroom?
No. A smooth jar, a lightbulb or a rounded stone under the fabric does the same job.
Will the darn show?
It can. Use matching yarn for a discreet patch, or a bright colour for visible mending.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
