Socks are an essential part of our daily wardrobe, but they are often one of the most neglected items in our closets (or bedroom floors). We tend to take them for granted until they get holes, and we're left with a pile of single socks that don't match. We're not about to tell you that mismatched socks are a thing–never! But what if we told you that you could revive your sock drawer with your own hands? Yes, it's possible! Darning socks is a simple and effective way to repair holes and extend the life of your socks. It's a practical skill that has been passed down for generations, and it's time to make a comeback with Socksmith.

In this guide, we'll take you through the seven steps of darning socks. So, dust off your old socks and get ready to revive your sock drawer with this simple guide on how to darn socks.

Darning socks is not just a practical skill but also an eco-friendly one. Sure, you can buy sustainably sourced socks. Still, when you've worn them non-stop, and they're finally giving up the ghost, you're reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle by repairing your socks instead of throwing them away. Plus, darning your socks will save you money in the long run because you won't have to buy new socks as often. It's a win-win situation for both you and the environment.

Before you start darning your socks, you'll need a few materials. The good news is that you probably already have most of them at home. Here's what you'll need:


🧦 That cute sock you want to revive.

🧦 A darning needle: This long, blunt needle with a large eye makes it easier to thread the yarn through.

🧦 Yarn: Choose a yarn that matches the color and thickness of your sock. You can use wool, cotton, or any other yarn that you prefer.

🧦 Scissors: You'll need a pair of sharp scissors to cut the yarn.

🧦 Sock darning egg or mushroom: This is a tool that you can use to hold the sock in place while you're darning. You can also use a tennis ball, or anything else that's round and fits inside the sock.

🧦 A rubber band or hair tie: This helps the your darning egg from sliding around

This helps to keep everything neat and tidy. Be sure to cut away any loose fraying.

First we'll stitch vertical rows, starting outside of the hole, or the area where the sock is at its weakest. Stitch through a few threads at a time, leaving space in between each horizontal row. Pull the thread through, but not all the way. Try to keep the rows as close together as possible.

Pull a straight line of thread right over the hole and continue the same motion. Keep going until the hole is completely covered, and you've done a couple of vertical rows past the hole.

We're going to do the same motion but horizontally this time. It should be something like a basket weave (but a lot easier). When you've finished weaving, cut off the loose ends. No need to tie them off–your feet will thank you.

Turn the sock outside in, and job well done!

Darning socks may seem intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes easier. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

🧦Don't skip using a darning egg or ball to hold the sock in place while you're darning.
 

🧦 Choose a yarn that matches the color and thickness of your sock.
 

🧦 Make sure that the stitches are tight and close together to prevent the hole from getting bigger.
 

🧦 Don't worry if your darning doesn't look perfect. It's more important to cover the hole and make the sock wearable again. 
 

🧦Practice on an old sock or a piece of fabric before darning your favorite socks.

Prevention is the best cure, and this is true for sock holes too. Here are some tips to prevent sock holes from forming:

🧦 Buy high-quality socks that are made of durable materials.

🧦 Wash your socks in cold water and air-dry them instead of using a dryer.
 

🧦 Don't wear the same pair of socks for more than one day. Let them air out between wears.
 

🧦 Trim your toenails regularly to prevent them from poking through the sock.

🧦 Wear shoes that fit properly and don't rub against your socks.

Can you darn any type of sock?

Yes, you can darn any type of sock, including wool, cotton, and synthetic materials. The darning technique may vary slightly depending on the material, but the principle remains the same.

How long does darning a sock take?

The time it takes to darn a sock depends on the size and type of the hole. Small holes can be darned in a matter of minutes, while larger holes may take up to an hour.

Can you use a sewing machine to darn socks?

Yes, you can use a sewing machine to darn socks, but it requires a special attachment called a darning foot. It's not as effective as hand darning because it can't replicate the same tension and texture as hand stitching.

Darning socks is a simple and effective way to revive your sock drawer and make your socks last longer. It's a practical skill that has been passed down for generations, and it's time for it to make a comeback. By learning how to darn socks, you're not only saving money and reducing waste, but you're also preserving sentimental items and contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle. So, dust off your old socks, grab your darning needle, and start practicing. With a little patience and perseverance, you'll be able to darn your socks like a pro.