How I Darn Socks

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NOTE: This information is meant for educational purposes only .I am NOT a doctor nor pretend to be one. Nothing I say should be used to replace professional medical counseling. Also, PLEASE do your OWN research!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

NOTE: Even though we sell out of sock darners a lot like we did this morning, just keep your eye out for more as Patrick will be making and putting up more as he has time. Thanks!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

@@GardenJensJourney The plan was to try to get extra made before this video published but he has been busy catching up on the cutting boards, pasta drying racks, and rolling pins that also keep selling out!

[@AcornHillHomestead]

Just bought one of Patricks darners. I have wanted one for so long and yours are the best Ive seen! 🤓

[@anitaculp683]

I wake in morning and after grabbing my coffee I watch your video!!! I love them!! No gloom or doom just good info!! Thank you so much for what you do!! God Bless you😌.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I try to stay focused on the good things rather than the negative as much as possible. Too much doom and gloom out there just in the news, we do not need all that just to work towards doing things better for our own selves :)

[@anitaculp683]

@@RainCountryHomestead I’m trying to focus on just getting my house in order also. That’s why I love to watch you!! I’ve only found you a couple of months ago and I’m working my way though your archives. 😅😂. Now that keeps me busy!! 😝

[@bobball3645]

You’re awesome! I’m a man and have to sew sometimes and never new how to properly darn my socks. That’s going to save a lot of money! Thank you so much for that tutorial! Once I get some practice in, I’ll show my wife! God Bless You!

[@dawnmichelledance]

I’m so grateful to have learned this from you. Thank you so much and God bless you and your family.

[@gingerehrhardt843]

Heide, you are one of the most beautiful women I've ever watched. You are an inspiration both regarding my spirituality and teaching me all the skills a woman should know. God bless you.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

That is so kind, thank you!

[@karin0963]

I have an old sock darner that was in my mom's sewing box. I never tried this before, but now I know how. Thank you!

[@BanDanaGramma]

My jokester dad would come up to my mother with a smile on his face and a finger poking through a hole in one of his socks saying, "My wife just doesn't give a darn!"

[@RainCountryHomestead]

🤣

[@homesteadgamer1257]

I know this video is 2 years old, but thank you so much for making it. I'd heard of darning, but I didn't know it was different than mending with regular stitches. It's good to know, I certainly don't want to throw out my good wool socks when they get holes. This is such a good skill that everyone should know, too. I know my own family spends so much money on socks when we really shouldn't have to. The big companies make it all too easy to just throw out the used and buy new.

[@jacquiesuper2200]

Ty so much for this. I just sewed up my hole. Now I know the proper way God bless

[@aroundthewaygarden1132]

I've been trying to darn holes in socks for the past couple of weeks. Your method has helped me so much😊 Thank you!

[@lisalynn5852]

What a useful skill!

[@keepcalmprepon]

My great-grandmother darned socks when I was growing up - I was fascinated watching her and loved her darner, it looked like a wooden chicken leg!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I know the one you mean, I now have the one that was my mom's, it has a bit of a curve to it and is a bit flat on one side

[@anapronfullofweeds5626]

I really enjoyed watching you darn Patrick's sock. I darn socks and slippers pretty much the same way as you. I am a sock knitter and spend a lot of time making socks and want them to last a real long time so knowing how to darn when they have finally worn a hole is important. It's the same with my store bought wool socks, they can be expensive so I want to extend their wearing life as well. I pretty much feel like you, I like the way my darned socks feel, that extra bit a padding is nice. We live in such a "throw away" world so teaching others ways to fix rather than throw is awesome! Thanks so much for all the work you do to teach people other alternatives. You're awesome! God bless

[@lynettetucker544]

Hi Hide thanks again for sharing this video on the darn sock I do have some that I need to darn thanks.

[@louannnance637]

Thank you, I've never seen this done before.

[@suchef8518]

Thanks Heidi! I've tried to darn before but hubby said it bothered his heel. Going to try your method and see if that works for him! You are a very good teacher!

[@dragonflowergardens3254]

I come from Rain Country two. 11 months out of the year I'm wearing wool socks. I got seven people in my family. Buying wool socks for each person every time there's a hole get extremely expensive. Thank you so much for showing me how to do this. Now I'm going to go pull out those socks that I was going to give to the thrift store and darn them. Thank you!

[@benaflec1038]

Ahh memories my mom used an old light bulb after washing she would notice a hole both socks would go into the basket cuz if she would separate them by the time she got finished darning she'd lose the good sock I remember her hating that.thanks for the memory 👍

[@lindaliang3825]

The needle you are describing is a tapestry needle (@9 minutes and 39 seconds). The curved tip darner needle can be bought at Cleaner's Supply.

[@judyofthewoods]

I tend to wear thinner socks next to my feet and thicker, crocheted socks on the outside, which tends to protect the thinner ones. I've been wearing the thinner ones for over a decade now, possible way more. Of course the outer get holes from rubbing inside shoes. As I don't like darning, I came up with a sneaky workaround. I crochet heal-sized circles and sew them to the heal preemptively which gives a bit of extra cushioning and when the patch wears out I just crochet a new one. I much prefer crocheting. Eventually the front part wears too thin to darn, which is when I just crochet a new front part. Modular socks. I might also try sewing some shammy leather to the sole which I hope lasts even longer. As an aside, a friend once said, the world went to s**t when people stopped darning their socks. He darns his own, of course.

[@chick-a-bee-farm]

I just have to say first, your hair is amazing! So pretty. Anyway, I just got a darner in a box of sewing stuff at an estate sale and have been wondering how to put it to use. Now I know! Thank you!

[@cindystanton4171]

I remember seeing my grandmother do this when I was very young, and always wondered how it was done, thank you! I don't currently have wool socks, but I'm going to tell my son to bring me his socks with holes. I want to try it!

[@MadScientistCrochet]

Thanks for reminding me. I need to repair a set of knitted gloves.

[@taranbains8535]

Talent

[@ItsMe-jh3ze]

That's great! Thanks!

[@sherryhopkins3599]

I’ve done this , learned from my grandmother

[@RuralmoneyOfficial]

Heidi's darned socks could make a cute sock monkey. Lol

[@spartacus3015]

Thank you!

[@outdoorsmom2000]

You literally blew my mind, thank you for sharing! About a month ago, I "darned" one of my wool socks (really just sewed a nice seam into the heel, lol). Now I know what to do next time ; )

[@contessaraven1075]

Thank you Again Heidi for these important teaching videos , I've wanted to learn this ol fashioned "lost ways" skill for quite awhile . 🌻🌾

[@MichaelR58]

Great instructional video , thanks for sharing , stay safe , God bless !

[@GardensLadyBug]

I have been curious about this for a long time. TY for sharing.

[@arthurleslie9669]

I have old darning eggs but have never darned a sock. Thanks for the lesson.

[@tracyflenner]

Great information. I’ve always wondered how exactly socks are darned. I used to either see them or yell “you darn socks” and neither one worked well. 🤪

[@cindyp.9030]

I have never darned socks but I am going to try now that I know how it is done. I always seem to get holes in the toes of my socks, maybe I need to start cutting my nails more oftern. 😃 Thank you for the great information.

[@ltkerr4688]

Heidi, I have always wanted to learn to darn socks. Per usual, your instruction is awesome. Thanks so much for sharing this information with us. Take care.

[@debbiefockler9890]

Thanks to you, I started darning my slipper socks that I wear around the house. I obtained a sock darner from a friend at a garage sale and she told me that it was her grandmother’s. In the past I would have just thrown them out and got new ones. But I really liked them and they only had one hole in each that I repaired. Thanks for taking the time and the inspiration for us. God bless.

[@nancyfahey7518]

Cool.

[@sparrowgarden1401]

I darn my organic cotton socks. I learned to darn socks as a child in school. I also watched my mother knit and darn socks. She used to unravel well worn old sweaters and knit socks and clothes for us. I also find I like my darned socks even better.

[@WendyK656]

Good job Heidi! I am going to have to get wool yarn so I can do that with Rick's socks. Thank you Heidi for the lesson on Darning .

[@lucillegm1829]

Thank you so much. I've been sewing socks with poor results. I always learn so much from you and I'm very appreciative of all the knowledge you impart.

[@lindaliang3825]

I recently saw a video with the speedweve gadge ($75.00 10 loops and $85.00 for 12 loops). I'm glad that I did it your way, Rain Country.

[@JenniferSmith-jw3dw]

The sock you were darning in the video is, I believe, Danner boot brand. My husband has the exact same socks and he loves them. They last a LONG time. I am looking forward to trying these techniques next time I have a sock that needs it. Thank you for the video. PS... I got the Costco socks too. They are comfy and definitely worth the price. They aren't as warm since they are thinner so I just double up.

[@moonviolet27]

I find darning very relaxing. I get my smart wool socks under $10 at Sierra Trading Company. They are irregulars but I have never had a problem. Thanks for all the great information!😊

[@kleineroteHex]

I can't even recall when I learned to darn socks, mom did it, then I was determined to do my own. I usually have some yarn left from my knitted socks, but I still have darning yarn from "home", 2 cards of each color, mom was looking ahead! Also have her old darning mushroom. Tip: darn them when the hole is still small😊 Hubby's socks I quit darning, once they get a hole they are pretty much worn, the top is loose and they look 2 sizes larger, so I use them as jar covers in the freezer, dusting and cleaning rags.

[@rhondawelker6742]

Thank you, Heidi. Very useful and needed information. I’m one of those who didn’t like to fix socks because I “sew”. Not anymore! 😃

[@SherryEllesson]

Heidi, if you appreciate things made in the USA, there's a company called Duckworth, out of Montana. They raise the sheep, sheer and process the Merino wool and have US garment-makers create everything from socks to base layers to shirts. Their products are not cheap, but for 100% USA raised-to-made wool products, I prefer them and their customer service.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you. So far I am very happy with the Darn Tough socks I got. They are made in the US, no they are not cheap either but they have a life time guarantee :)

[@SherryEllesson]

@@RainCountryHomestead I'll have to check them out!

[@charlesburkhart800]

My husband (size 13) goes through socks so fast. I tried darning with mixed results. My fix is to cut 2 layers of blanket fleece fabric the shape of the bottom of his foot and up the back of his heel. Double in the heel area and one shorter at the toe area for less thickness there. I stretch the socks on an empty liter pop bottle and use a large loose cross stich over the edges of the fleece. I use a strong light upholstery thread. The stiches have to stretch as the sock pulls over his foot. This has added so much life so his socks and saved us a few hundred dollars. I would only recommend anyone to do one pair first to see if it is comfortable on men's feet. My husband likes the feel and they don't bunch up for him.

[@jeffreydonaldson8266]

I have a pair of Darn Tough socks. Also a pair of Smart Wool socks. Both socks are made in the US according from my understanding. . Darn Tough in Vermont. Smart Wool is out of Colorado. The last time I knew. . Wools maybe imported though for Smart Wool. . Darn Tough is what most Appalachian trail hikers use and recommend. They have a lifetime gurantee. If worn out, you can stop by most outdoor shops and get them exchanged for free. Might be some paper work needed at some shops if their a dealer. Injinji 5 toe Liner socks go underneath my socks when hiking. They help to keep toes from rubbing and blistering on the long days. I also have a pair of Red Wing shoes Wool socks. There not bad nether. Merry Christmas and have a safe season.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I did show in the video where the Darn Tough are made in Vermont and that they have a life time guarantee. This video was shot about 5 weeks ago, I have since bought more Darn Tough socks and just uploaded a review on them that will publish in about 3 weeks

[@pinschrunner]

I purge my sock drawer twice per year. I generally wear cotton socks. Wool is too hot for Florida, even in winter, although I do have some for cold weather travel. I must admit that I SEW my socks and donate them to the local soup kitchen that gives away clothes to the homeless and anyone in need. SOCKS ARE THE #1 REQUESTED CLOTHING ITEM IN HOMELESS SHELTERS. CONSIDER WASHING THEM AND PASSING THEM ON IF YOU CAN. 🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲🌲 So, darning os like weaving bit with a needle!

[@davyjones2994]

Thank you! I’m going to try and mend my wool beanie now

[@fallenangelwi25]

Thank you I never knew how to darn socks only sew them. Now I know and it's easy enough thank you so much.

[@ediemurray1692]

Ty

[@trishthehomesteader9873]

Thanks for this video, Heidi! I believe going forward this is going to be Very helpful for people. I got a tickle about the mention of the lightbulb! ☺️ I've done that myself. 💜🤗

[@brendafalk5162]

I was beginning to think only my daughter and I darned our socks! Love this tutorial. And, I love my darned socks. I think they have "personality." For lighter, cotton socks, I use baby yarn, which works well. Never matches, but , like you, I really don't care! Thanks for sharing.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I love the character and uniqueness it adds to the socks :D

[@joantomlin7281]

I knew a lady who used Vaseline jars for darning--the kind with the curved front

[@merryanneadair4451]

I've done this, but not well! Thank you for telling me the RIGHT way to do it!! 😌

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

Rain this was interesting thanks for sharing how to do this

[@ardenpeters4386]

smart sock N Idaho $20. love them

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I used to like Smart Wool until the went downhill in quality and I would get holes in them nearly as fast as the cheap socks. Now I buy Darn Tough from Vermont. So far the best socks I have ever owned

[@lindachandler2293]

Chicken!

[@CherishEaDay]

Reminds me of my mom and grandma who darned socks as a routine. Coming thru the depression... one finds a way to make things last. May be a good lesson for us for the future. Now off subject ~ do you use a planner to coordinate all your chores /tasks etc? Also you look adorbs in your glasses. 🦋

[@RainCountryHomestead]

No, I do not use a planner but some days when I have a long list of things I NEED to prioritize and get done, I will make a list i.e. 1) shoot videos on .... and.... 2) work on patchwork skirt or apron for store 3) make batch of seasoned salt 4) ferment bag of costco garlic 5) edit a new video, and so on. I may write them down in order of importance so the ones that need to be done most are sure to get done where the others can wait another day if need be

[@CherishEaDay]

@@RainCountryHomestead I’m a list maker too. It does help me. Thankfully (or not?) my list isn’t as long or productive. Respect.

[@shibui99]

Great video....again!!!! I have a question about preserving canned vegetables. I bought 6 - 10lb. cans of sweet corn at a fabulous price; however, other than opening one and putting 9 lbs. into containers for the refrigerator, I was wondering if you had any ideas how I could save and perhaps even donate 1-2 lb. portions to my neighbors. Thank you!!!!!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

You can dehydrate the rest and vacuum seal in mason jars or freeze the rest in portions or re can into pint sized jars

[@HerbalistMax]

To mess with ScrewTube's Algorithm.

[@bradlafferty]

If I wanted to put more cushion on new wool socks, could I use this method do you think?

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, I have done this with brand new socks as well

[@tinnerste2507]

Hi, timly video, everyone wants to use the "good" socks in the cold weather. Have you used swiss darning for socks? It takes ages but i like to make a layer on the bottom from the heal to the toes just cause socks tend to streck out and thin on the whole foot. Do you have any tips on fixkng saggy socks? You know, the ones that lide down the leg portion and end up in a bunch in the middle of your boots lol.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

I have rarely had issues with saggy socks but then again, I do not wear them up over my calves, I hate the way they feel so if they are taller socks, I usually bunch them around my ankle anyway. Patrick gets a few of those but I have not considered trying to fix them because he rarely complains about it

[@kleineroteHex]

Swiss darning is basically recreating the knit stitches, gives a very nice look, I never take the time to be that meticulous 😊

[@tinnerste2507]

@@kleineroteHex i like to "upgrade" my socks and make them thicker since ive got them in my hand. Sometimes i use an embroidery chainstich instead depending on how the origional socks were made. It takes me an afternoon to finish a pair.

[@kleineroteHex]

@@tinnerste2507 I started to knit mine with double yarn from the heel and all through the sole - I guess I got tired of darning LOL

[@tinnerste2507]

@@kleineroteHex good plan too. Im in the harz mountains so if its not frozen, its raining all winter. Where in germany are you?

[@hibiscus-dreams]

Heidi, I started trying to "darn" socks last year. At least now I know why I was so frustrated with it. I was trying to use regular cotton/rayon sewing thread. Is it any wonder I didn't get far (?) So as far as the yarn goes - do you think any regular yarn would work or is the woolen yarn the best option? I also have two sets of the Costco socks - which I love - but the set I bought 1st has holes. I have darned some of the smaller holes with the sewing thread but would doubt how long that repair would last. Would appreciate your thoughts/insights....

[@RainCountryHomestead]

It can be cotton or acrylic but may not last as long and either way, you want it to be sock weight

[@hibiscus-dreams]

@@RainCountryHomestead TY for responding - I just thought to check the "more info" description section for a link. From your experience - Do these skeins of "Sock- Ease" last a while bc the price of Lion-Brand on Amazon has jumped to $12. Do u have an alternate you've switched to?

[@stacy9345]

Most of my holes in socks are in the toe area. Do the same thing?

[@kleineroteHex]

Yup!

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Yes, you darn it the same way no matter where the hole is

[@stacy9345]

@@RainCountryHomestead thank you.