How-to

A Small Hole in Your Sock? Six Beginner Darning Steps Before You Toss It

A little hole at the toe or heel need not end a sock's life. Learn how to build a flexible woven repair using a needle, suitable thread and a rounded support, following established textile-repair guides.

5 min read2026-10-28

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01

What you need

One clean, fully dry sock with a small hole
Needle and compatible thread or yarn
Tennis ball or darning egg
Scissors

02

How to

1. Wash and dry the sock, then inspect the hole and its surrounding fabric. Darning is best suited to a manageable hole with reasonably sound material around it; extensive thinning may need a patch.
2. Turn the sock inside out and place a rounded darning egg or tennis ball behind the hole. Stretch the area just enough to see it, without pulling the knit out of shape.
3. Thread a needle and reinforce the intact edge around the hole with small running stitches. Keep the tension gentle so the fabric remains flexible.
4. Span the gap with parallel lengths of thread from sound fabric on one side to the other. Space the strands evenly to create the foundation for replacement fabric.
5. Rotate your stitching direction by 90 degrees and weave new thread over and under the first strands. Follow the iFixit woven darning method, filling the gap without creating a rigid lump.
6. Secure the loose end within the surrounding knit, trim it and turn the sock right-side out. Feel the repair for lumps and test it briefly on your foot for comfort.

One more tip

Avoid bulky knots on the sole because they can rub your foot. Do not pull the thread so tightly that the sock puckers. If the surrounding fabric is broadly worn through, consider a patch, professional repair or replacement. Handle the needle carefully.

Sources and media

OriginalStep-by-step woven darning guide by iFixitOriginal publisher: iFixit / justinHo910

OriginalWoolmark's original wool-sock darning methodOriginal publisher: The Woolmark Company

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