How to Darn a Sock

Darning is a great way to repair a hole in a sock. Fixing that hole is easier than you might think.

Note: the images used on this article demonstrate the technique being used in a small hole, but this will give an excellent result in very large holes.

1. 

    Pick a thread that is close to the color and thickness of the existing sock yarn.
   Pick a thread that is close to the color and thickness of the existing sock yarn. You can also use a dark color for horizontal stitching and a lighter color for vertical stitching. It doesn't have to match exactly - no one is going to see the bottom of your foot.
2. 

    Thread the darning needle with one or two strands of thread, depending on the weight of the sock.
   Thread the darning needle with one or two strands of thread, depending on the weight of the sock. Don't tie a knot in the thread; that will leave a lump in your sock.
3. 

    Pull the sock over the darning egg.
   

    A darning egg.
   Pull the sock over the darning egg. (A light bulb will also work if you are gentle, and a large enough plastic pill bottle works too, and is safer.)
4. 

    Trim away any ragged edges, but don't make the hole any larger.
   Trim away any ragged edges, but don't make the hole any larger.
5. 

    Sew running stitch for a few rows above and to either side of the hole.
   Sew running stitch for a few rows above and to either side of the hole.
6. 

    Push the needle through one end of the hole and make a large running stitch to the other side of the hole.
   Push the needle through one end of the hole and make a large running stitch to the other side of the hole.
7. 

    Repeat back and forth until the hole is blocked up with parallel stitches.
   Repeat back and forth until the hole is blocked up with parallel stitches.
8. 

    Now do the same technique across the parallel stitches, weaving in and out of the previous stitches.
   Now do the same technique across the parallel stitches, weaving in and out of the previous stitches.
9. 

    Fill in any gaps with more weaving and running stitch, until the hole is completely healed.
   Fill in any gaps with more weaving and running stitch, until the hole is completely healed.

• Try not to wait until it is a big hole. Remember the adage: "A stitch in time saves nine," meaning, if you fix it early you will use less thread and take less time to repair.

• Be careful not to poke your thumb while threading the needle or stitching. You could wear a thimble or use a darning needle, which is blunt.
• There should be no knots anywhere in the patch!
• Always use a darning egg, not a light bulb or coke bottle, as broken glass can cause a lot of trouble. (if you cannot find a darning egg any solid, non breakable rounded object can be used.. i have successfully used a hard boiled egg, and a massage ball.)

• Sock with a hole or worn patch
• Darning needle
• Thread to match the color of the sock
• A darning "mushroom"