Darning socks and repairing wool jumpers

Darning is an old needlework technique for mending holes in wool — socks, mittens, wool jumpers. It is simple once you have done it once, and it gives a durable repair that is actually comfortable to wear.

What you need

• Needle and thread — ideally wool thread in the same colour as the garment. Wool thread is stronger than cotton, gives a little insulation, and feels better against the skin.
• A darning mushroom or ladle to shape the hole and hold it taut (not essential, but it makes the job easier). Your hand in the sock works.
• Scissors

How to do it

1. Shape the hole with a ladle or your hand so it is held taut. Thin, worn fabric around the hole should be treated as well — otherwise it goes again right next to the repair.
2. Anchor the thread in the sock without a knot — sew a few stitches back and forth in the sound fabric around the hole to fasten it.
3. Draw the hole back to its original shape by sewing a few stitches around the whole edge.
4. Sew long stitches straight across the hole — from sound fabric on one side to sound fabric on the other, close together. Fasten each thread firmly where the sock is intact, not in the thin, worn area.
5. Weave through the other way — one over, one under, alternating each time. Carry on until the hole is completely covered.
6. Cut the thread and fasten the end in sound fabric without a knot.

Important tips

• It should not be felt — the aim is not an invisible repair, but an even one. A lump under the foot causes blisters and is uncomfortable on a longer trip.
• Weave tightly — loose threads in the woven layer give holes after a short time.
• Use the same thickness of thread as the wool garment — thread that is too thick makes a lump, thread that is too thin gives a weak result.

Variant for larger holes in wool jumpers

For larger holes (3+ cm) in a wool jumper, darning can still work, but it is often easier to sew on a patch from an old wool garment. See sewing holes and tears for the patch method.

Variant for gloves and mittens

Exactly the same technique on fingertips and palms. Take extra care with the thread thickness — fingertip darning is noticeable quickly in use.

Back to Repair → · Sewing holes and tears → · Repair after a trip — sewing →

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Text: Gina Wigestrand and Snuitide (2022), revised 2026.

Video resources: Egon Askvik — stoppekurs sokker · Bykuben — stoppe hull for hånd