How to Darn Socks

Quit damning your socks to the garbage, and darn them right back to the sock drawer instead.

Step 1: Turn the sock inside out Turn your sock inside out and place the darning egg inside of the sock to emphasize the hole.
Step 2: Thread the needle Thread the darning needle with yarn or thick thread.
TIP: If the hole is in the sole of the sock, use a different color yarn or thread from that of the sock to help you see your work.
Step 3: Begin weaving Start about an inch to the side of the torn area, and weave over the hole to an inch on the other side.
TIP: Keep a little slack in the yarn or thread to allow for shrinkage when washed.
Step 4: Weave in the other direction Turn the sock the other way and weave stitches perpendicular to those you've just created.
TIP: Don't make any knots; this would make it uncomfortable for the sock wearer.
Step 5: Continue weaving Continue weaving over the hole until you’ve covered it.
Step 6: Cut the yarn Cut the extra yarn, turn your sock right-side out, and congratulate yourself for saving another sock's life.
FACT: Did you know? The first sock knitting machine – which automatically closed a sock's heel and toe – was developed in 1869 by John Nelson and William Worth Burson.