How to Darn Socks in 8 Easy Steps

Many of us get holes in our socks and simply throw them away. Instead, learn how to darn socks and extend the life of your socks even further.

The (fast) fashion industry places a lot of strain on the environment – buying new clothes rather than second-hand increases the carbon footprint and waste in landfills. To reduce waste sent to the dump and extend the life of your current clothes, it is more sustainable to fix them rather than purchase new ones. In order to save your holey socks from the trash, learn how to darn socks with this simple and practical guide. 

How to Darn a Sock

Darning is a method of mending a hole by interweaving thread or yarn with a needle. When done well, you’ll barely even notice a difference between the sock and where it has been mended. In order to learn how to darn socks, you’ll need the following materials:

• sock with a hole in it
• needle and yarn/thread (similar color and thickness to the sock)
• scissors
• optional: a round object such as a tennis ball, a darning egg, a plastic Easter egg or simply use your hand

Instructions:

1. Place the round object inside the sock so that the hole is spread across the area. Alternatively, put your hand inside the sock to show the hole or use a darning egg.
2. Thread the needle and tie a small knot, tying both sides of the thread.
3. Insert the needle into the hole, keeping the knot on the inside of the sock/hole.
4. On one side of the hole, stitch the sides together moving the needle upward from the bottom of the hole. Do not pull the thread tightly, keep it loose.
5. On the other side of the hole, repeat the motion – stitching upward and keeping the thread loose. 
6. Repeat this process making the stitches closer together as you close in on the hole. Once you have covered the entire hole, pull the strings tight together. Optionally, you can do parallel as well as perpendicular lines over the hole to reinforce the sewing.
7. Make a loop on the outside of the hole, and bring your needle through the loop to tie it off. 
8. Drag the needle through the hole from the top to midway through and then cut off the excess thread.  

Read on:

• What to Do With Old Socks? Household Uses and More
• Donation How-Tos: Does Goodwill Take Underwear, Bras & Socks
• 7 Upcycling Ideas for Home Decor

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Tags: Clothing DIY Guide How To’s Zero Waste