Swiss Darning // Duplicate Stitch for Mending // Visible Mending your Knits

Let me show you how I fix the worn out elbows of my sweaters and the heels of my woolen socks. Duplicate stitch is a great visible mending technique which can made invisible by using similarly colored yarn.
This video was made for an Instagram IGTV collaboration between Stuart Moores Textiles and Eileen Fisher NY. You can find more mending videos by SMT on the SMT IGTV video feed or on the Eileen Fisher IGTV feed.
Let's stop fast fashion by creating sustainable slow fashion habits starting with mending the clothing we already have. What do you think? Want to join me?
Check out my website: www.StuartMooresTextiles.com
Find more tutorials on the SMT IGTV feed: / stuartmoorestextiles
Shop the SMT plant dyed store:
www.etsy.com/shop/StuartMoore...
#SMTMending #StuartMooresTextiles

[@lornamurdocheaton624]

That's so clever. Thank you. I don't have the patience for sewing but I'm full of admiration for those who do.

[@soniatriana9091]

This video/tutorial is a great example of why KZbin is fantastic. This was a total pleasure to watch! It was a great demonstration & everything about it was enjoyable. I won’t be daring any knit pieces, but I’ll use this technique to add decorative designs to some of my existing sweaters & some of my grandkids knit wear. Thank you!! I will be watching this video again!!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So happy to hear this! Happy mending!

[@youandmeequals3466]

Such a great tutorial. Thank you very much from Austria, Vienna. I had to fix my husband’s alpaca socks that he loves so much and after watching your video a couple of times, I did it 🥰🥰. God bless you for taking the time to record for people like me to benefit from .

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So happy to hear you were able to fix your husband's sock! Congrats!!! (I love Vienna!!)

[@johnkelly9451]

Excellent thorough tutorial! I was having trouble starting, going up to the next row and did not realize to capture the new and old stitches. Plus all the other great tips and how to tie your ends off at the end. Thank you so much! -John's wife

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You are more than welcome! Thank you for watching! 😊

[@rg1whiteywins598]

My mom used a lightbulb to darn socks. It worked great.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yes, they do!

[@lindaliang3825]

I never tried this technique, but I find your hand-stitching so lovely, perfect. Even when there's a bald spot on your fabric, your tension is still perfect and creates a secure layer to re-enforce the fabric. Finished, it looks like one cohesive fabric. Beautifully done! Wonderful video, love it!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

It's easier than you think, I promise! Thank you for your kind words. ☺️🙏

[@BecomingCreative]

This is brilliant. I am an experienced sewer, but knitting is a bit of an achilles heel. Well done, I have a beautiful alpaca jumper to mend. I knew it could be done, I just didn't know how. Now I do!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yay! So happy to hear this was helpful!! ☺️

[@MaraMcTavish]

This is the first video I've found that shows how to do more than one row - thank you! I really had no idea how to get to the next row properly before this!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yay! Thanks for watching!

[@andthedragon]

I learn something different from each Swiss mending video I've watched, and this might be my favorite one yet. The drifting in and out of focus made it hard to watch at times, but I realize that doing close-up filming can be tricky. I did especially appreciate that the technique was shown on both the actual garment being reinforced and a swatch that had thicker yarn and contrasting colors that made it easy to see. Thanks for sharing.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yes, my apologies, I am not the best at video art (this was one of my first couple videos) BUT I am super happy to hear you got something out of this video. Thanks for watching! :)

[@kittycuddler5973]

I've watched a few videos on this technique and yours was definitely the most helpful. Also, turning the work upside down is way easier than trying to go left to right for me. Well done, thanks!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yay, so happy it was helpful!

[@BagenB00]

This is SUCH a gorgeous finish. What skill. Thanks for explaining so well. I need to find something chunky enough to use this method on

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for your kind words! ☺️🙏

[@jeanwalton4177]

As a very beginner, I may never do this, but I love the aesthetics of this video--and watched it just for the pleasure of it! Thank you.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Jean, what a huge compliment! Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@talkingcrow]

I have watched a lot of visible mending videos, and I am a knitter, and this was just the best! Seriously. My duplicate stitch has always been garbage, and I feel like I get it now. Thank you.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So happy to hear this! Thank you!

[@gabbinaut]

I've tried to wrap my brain around swiss darning before, but as someone who has never darned, it always seemed so intimidating. Your video made everything finally click in my head! Thank you for such an awesome tutorial on it!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Best comment ever!!! So happy to help! ☺️

[@gage.3501]

This was highly informative and helpful. Thank you!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Glad you liked it! Happy mending!

[@victoriachamberlain4843]

So clear, and I learned something new!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

SO GLAD TO HEAR! :)

[@user-wp9vf8kx1h]

Never seen a Tutorial Sooo Informative n Very Clear Demo!!!! Can’t Thank You Enough 😍.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You are so welcome! :)

[@ravensnow2931]

This was such a clear overview of the technique! Thank you!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching! ☺️🙏

[@maui1778]

I just finished my first repair on a sock I knit a few years ago. It feels great under my foot. Thank you for the great explanation. I used my lemon press. I might try a light bulb next time.

[@bettyadkisson1681]

Yes I will use your method. Thank you for sharing.

[@barbdrodge732]

Such a beautiful way to darn!! It looks so much better than the woven method! Thank you !!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You are so welcome! Glad you liked it. :)

[@amandabrandt3471]

This technique is so lovely! 🌷🌷

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

It's my favorite! 😊

[@kimberlyholt8433]

What a glorious little mending technique. I have a vintage mending egg, but like the bowl idea! I will definitely try this for a favorite sweater that has worn elbows!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Happy mending!

[@brittanywinn3955]

This tutorial is so well done. Thank you!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thank you for saying so, so glad you liked it! ☺️

[@rendmendecclesiastes3728]

Best demonstration ever! ❤

[@eileenfb1948]

I love this video. It is so clear AND such a fantastic result. Thank you very much indeed. I, too, have a bowl!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You are very welcome! Happy mending! ☺️

[@nikkin3752]

this is such a cool technique! I have a bit of a worn area of an old cardigan of my grandmother's I've been wanting to repair, and this will work perfectly. thanks so much!!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yay! A new life for your grandmother's cardigan! 😊

[@cruisepaige]

Looks amazing!!

[@bostonpicker6890]

Best darning tutorial video I’ve ever seen. Thank You!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Wow, thanks! I spend a lot of time on these videos so that is a big compliment. :)

[@dominiquematta1377]

This makes me want to sit by the fire with a cat on my lap whilst darning a cardigan. So lovely and peaceful to watch!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Now I want to do the same! 😄

[@eps3154]

So very cool! Thanks for sharing and teaching us all

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

My pleasure! So glad you enjoyed it. :)

[@Songs-971]

Thank you for this. My favorite sweater needed some TLC!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You are so welcome!

[@joantomlin7281]

An outstanding video! The only one I have seen which shows how to turn for the next row. Sometimes I think content providers learn the technique fifteen minutes before they record!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So glad you enjoyed it! 🤗❤️

[@claudiabenson6226]

Thanks for replying. My eyes are a bit dodgy so I wasn’t sure if it was me 😂 I’m experimenting with making short instructional videos and it is not as easy as it looks. For me it’s like patting my head and circling my belly (if you know what I mean?!). I loved your singing bowl trick too ❤

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I know what you mean! 😅

[@MoniqueAO888]

Great technique...thanks for sharing !!! Happy New Year 🥂🍾😀

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Absolutely! Happy New Year to you too!!!! ☺️

[@nancywalter7555]

So well done. I am ready- to try it.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yay!

What a super clear tutorial! Thanks very much!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Absolutely! ☺️

[@xx-xt4rg]

Your directions are the best I've seen on this method. Hopefully one day I will be able to do this

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Oh thanks so much! You can def do this! ☺️🧵🪡

[@franceswainor5944]

Thank you very much, very informative & helpful. The only difficulty l had in viewing would be the camera being in & out of focus, if the item being repaired could be placed onto something stable as you work the stitches would be easier for those watching.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thanks for your feedback, I am learning to make videos slowly and am still working out the kinks. 😊

[@antoniahammer]

Great tutorial! I'll be off to save my favourite pair of socks now.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yay! Happy to hear it! :)

[@RingoWild]

Well done! I appreciate the time you’ve taken to explain the technique. I do agree with some of the other comments, though, in terms of the background music being distracting and off-putting. I hate to sound negative when you’ve taken the time to teach this technique! It’s just a suggestion to make it even better for next time. Thanks for sharing!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Hi, Lori: Thanks for your feedback. I have only started making videos recently and am still working out the kinks. I have gotten a lot of comments about the audio and have tried to fix that in my videos that I am making now. The second part of the Swiss Darning video series has those problems fixed. Hope that helps. :)

[@danieladietel-wright8054]

this is the best tutorial by far! thank you!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So kind of you to say, thank you!!! ☺️

[@heathercurrey980]

Beautiful tutorial, thank you!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You are so welcome!

[@tanisstoliar5357]

Thank-you. I’ll be using this video to darn some socks. Very much appreciate the tip on options to use as a darning “Egg”. Cheers.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So happy to hear you will be trying this out! :)

[@humblemumble410]

wow its gorgeous

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thank you! 😊

[@gvilzavideos7498]

I love it. You are soooo didactic that I am going to try. I like your technique. Greetings from New York

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thanks so much! I am so happy to hear you liked it. Greetings from D.C.! :)

[@terieddyphotography]

Thanks, I'm going to use this on the thinning area of my hand knit socks. It's perfect for this!

[@cruisepaige]

Me, too this is so awesome! I just started knitting socks last year and my first pair has a thin spot just like this. I am sooo happy I will be able to save them. I watched some other tutorials and they did not explain as well as you!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Hand knit socks are perfect for this technique! I actually started darning socks because my hand knit socks were so precious to me. On IG a few weeks before Christmas I posted a picture of my latest (and most colorful!) sock darn on chunky knit socks, it's kind of an addiction at this point. :)

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

This makes me so happy to hear, thanks for sharing. :)

[@seattlebeard]

I just bought the tools and wool. I'm nervous, but I can't wait to learn from you. Subscribed, of course. :o)

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You got this! ☺️🧵🪡

[@patogden856]

Astonishing !! Thank you

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@risenqueen7751]

This is amazing! THANK YOU!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thank you, so glad you enjoyed it! :)

[@janetborst1895]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Absolutely! So glad you liked it! ☺️

[@rainbowparrotart9861]

This is so awesome! Thank you!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You're so welcome! :)

[@rukeyser]

I doubt if I’ll ever muster the discipline needed for a large worn area …OTOH this will be a *wonderful* way to playfully cover stains - which in my world are more plentiful than holes ;-) LOL - you just mentioned stains …. I love Everything about your demo and commentary. Congrats on the Fisher connection !

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

It is truely a wonderful technique for covering a stain, I do it ALL the time. Thank you for your kind words! :)

[@eurmt9603]

👍巧手excellent skill👍 I’ll follow you to learn more skills😊Thank you for sharing!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thank you! :)

[@Aaaangel1]

Hermoso trabajo. 😍 Hermosa manera de explicar! 💘 Me suscribo ya! 😊

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

☺️ thank you so much! ☺️

[@celisastelamacedo275]

This great so much❣️😊

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So glad to hear that! ☺️❤️

[@cervawesome3363]

Thank you for this video! I don't know if you're an instructor, but you came across as a natural.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Oh wow, thanks so much for saying so, big compliment! 🤗

[@justmoi1117]

A big thank you! Now I get it! :)

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Glad to help! :)

[@AnonymousXIII]

lol, I have a bao-ding exercise ball which I use for my darning... perfect size for what I need, and makes lovely musical chimes as I work.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I am a huge fan of using what you have, every thing in my house is a tool for sewing/Darning etc eventually! 😅

[@lauriivey7801]

Nice ... like that even better than my lightbulb ......can't wait to listen to the chimes as I make my next repair

[@veronicawhite398]

Brilliant! Thankyou.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You're very welcome!

[@voyagereurope4982]

Thanx for the great explanation.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@lazynoodle6739]

The first pair of knitted socks i ever made started wearing out on my toe so I will definitely try that!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You gotta save those special socks!!! 😄🧦

[@lazynoodle6739]

@@stuartmoorestextiles yess! I just fixed them yesterday! It ended up so much better than I thought ❤

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

@@lazynoodle6739 yay!!!

[@thegrynne]

This is the first fine I’ve seen duplicate stitch explained so clearly! Thank you.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thanks for watching and your kind words! ❤️

[@lauriivey7801]

I was taught to use a lightbulb for mending ... it's wonderfully slick so the needle glides

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I have hear this but never tried it, I think it might be time! :)

[@lauriivey7801]

@@stuartmoorestextiles I always worked for me ... but the 'new' lightbulbs make it more challenging ;-) (they're squiggly)

[@shalizearefpour1097]

Thanx a lot , more video pls.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Working on more all the time! :)

[@marijkeschellenbach2680]

Lovely, lovely and so easy to do, and a great way to do visible mending or adding stitches to your work.

[@jhjln8712]

Great tutorial, I finally feel like I could pull this off. What if there’s already a hole in the knitting? I think I’ve seen people put pins in to hold the loops in place during the process, but that seems extremely fiddly, especially since what I need to mend is a very fine knit.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I have another video for big holes!

[@barbarababinski7634]

Excellent video. Just what I was looking for. Tiny comment: I don’t think the music enhances the video. It is a distr@ction

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

My apologies, Barbara. I try to make these enjoyable for all but sometimes I miss the mark. If the music is too distracting some have mentioned in the comments above that turning the volume all the way down and turning on the captions is super helpful. Hopefully that solves the problem for you. My apologies!

[@cinziabeley7059]

Excellent thank 6

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Thanks for watching!

[@francesmaurer185]

❤❤❤❤

[@christacarey3125]

Thank you for a wonderful tutorial. Something to consider in the future is the zoom on the camera. It was hard to see what was happen on the red and white.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I am new to video making so I am still working out the kinks but thanks for the feedback, always trying to make these videos better. 😊

[@wolleetkikens]

This is a great tutorial, very helpful. Thank you! By any chance do you know how one would fix a knit overall strap where the damage extends to the last stitches before the end on the side so vvvvvoooov < like that v= stitches o = hole area. I am worried on line of stitches won't be able to hole the mending and I am also new to mending.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Hey, Pamela, the type of Swiss Darning needed for this is slightly different than the kind shown in this video. If there is a big hole, you need to fill the empty space with new stitches. There are lots of ways to do this including weaving a new patch (which is the same technique you can find in my Colorful Sock Mending video), there are knitted patches (which is just knitting a new patch), and another Swiss Darning technique which I am currently creating a video for. Without seeing your project I think one of those techniques should work. Thanks for reaching out and welcome to the world of mending! :)

[@angelazak7874]

Grazie❤

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

☺️🤗

[@paigewowd]

Thank you so much! This was so helpful! I fixed 3 different spots in a sweater using this and the swiss darning video. I'm looking at some hand knit socks next, there's a big thinning area but it's rib knit. Is there a similar technique for duplicate stich on rib knit?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

So happy this was helpful! For rib knit I like to work the ribs one at a time top to bottom. You can turn your sweater over for the inside ribs and back to the front for the outside ribs. Hope that helps! :)

[@sarahbruck7538]

Thank you for this video - excellent presentation. Only one question, can you use the usual figure 8 from knitting to bury the tails?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yes you can! Any kind of weaving in your ends on the back side, so long as it's not visible one the front, will work. I would recommend not building up too much yarn on the backside if your mend is in a place that might rub, like a heel. Happy mending! :)

[@august1731]

This is such a helpful video thank you! How would I do this with a purl stitch? I’m trying to mend a ribbed cuff of a jumper

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I need to make a video explaining this, I get asked a lot! Will try to make one ☺️

[@amandadenison7893]

very clear description. thank you. Just one question, can you use this when you have an actual hole as well as thinly worn knits.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

For an actual hole I recommend the second swiss darning video in this series. You will need a structure to build stitches on, similar technique, just need some infrastructure to work on. Good luck! :)

[@alisonnorcross951]

Darned good

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I love good puns! ;-)

[@amyeitrheim138]

Sorry if I missed the information regarding the type of yarn to use for duplicate mending. Would appreciate your recommendations on type of yarn or thread. Loved your easy to follow instructions and demonstration. Thank you

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Hello! Thanks for asking, all the yarn I used in this video is plant dyed silk wool from my shop but all of the wool in my shop works, Stuart Moores Textiles. You can find the shop link in the video description. Hope that helps, happy mending!

[@jhjln8712]

Hi, usually you want to match as close as possible whatever the garment was made with originally, in both fiber and weight/thickness.

[@eclecktique6359]

merci

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

bien sûr :)

[@user-bx4rp1hd1k]

Нитки, которыми вышивают, нужно обязательно проверить, не линяют ли они. Чтобы не испортить изделие. Здесь, красные нитки замочить в горячей воде и посмотреть, не окрасилась ли вода.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Очень хороший момент. Всегда проверяйте свою нить, прежде чем использовать ее в каком-либо проекте, и промывайте ее холодной водой после, чтобы убедиться, что она не переносит цвет.

[@user-bx4rp1hd1k]

@@stuartmoorestextilesХолодная вода не подойдёт. В холодной воде краски на нитках или тканях могут не показать того, что выявится в горячей воде. Уж поверьте! Сама сколько раз обжигалась.

[@lemoniys]

ahhh so neat 🥰 can you do this when there are full holes though?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Yes! I am currently working on that video as we speak. Should be out by the end of this week. :)

[@lemoniys]

@@stuartmoorestextiles :))))

[@cbrandtje]

Supposed to be an Australian invention! Who is kidding who?

[@beckys9097]

FYI Many many many singing bowls contain lead and other harmful metals. Metals are blended to make different sounding singing bowls. Something to be aware of if you’re handling it, make sure to wash your hands

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Good to know, thanks!

[@cruisepaige]

I’ve got socks thinning out. They are one of my first pair I made, so I want to keep them!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Perfect timing! That's what got me into mending, I spent all that time making hand knit socks and I wanted to repair them when they got holes instead of tossing them. Happy mending!!!

[@cruisepaige]

Guys! I just realized you don’t have to know how to knit to do this!!

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Looks useful. Would it not be simpler to swap hands rather than turn everything round?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I am not so nimble with the other hand, try as I might.

[@randalllaue4042]

Are you putting on a shape? A circle?… is the “Red” for example? Visible mending or invisible mending? Or decorated mending?

[@erinbathie-moore8478]

How would you go about darning a hole in a knitted item? My stockings randomly ripped on the inner thigh, and now I can't wear them :/ (I want to fix them though, as I've only worn them twice)

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Can you tell me more about the item? Are they knitted stockings like yoga pants? Or are they stockings/nylons?

[@sannevandenheuvel2290]

How do you do this type of mending when there is a whole (so no original stitches to follow)?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I am working on a video to demonstrate that technique so keep a look out for the next video. :)

[@QueenMegaera]

I've used a knitting needle (sock needle) to loop the "empty" stitches around, but I'm sure there are other ways.

[@Dodadedededadodo]

Why do you need to flip the garment upside down each time you complete a row?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

You don't have to but it is difficult (for me) to sew from left to right with my right hand so I flip my work upside down so the I am always stitching from right to left. It's definitely possible to keep your work facing the same direction the whole time but can be awkward to stitch from left to right (if you are right handed, vice versa if you are left handed). Hope that helps! ☺️

[@nadMoZzzg]

Too much work for socks but cool for sweaters. And..it is possible to simply sew a patch?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

If you are mending a sweater you want the patch to move with the rest of your sweater so it has even tension and doesn't tear at the seams of your patch. If a patch is what you're set on, my recommendation is to knit a patch (knit one row, purl one row back and forth) and use a darning needle a yarn to patch your garment. Best of luck! ☺️

[@shyspectre7251]

why do you have to flip it?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Which part of the process are referring to?

[@claudiabenson6226]

I like this video but, is it me, or does it keep going in and out of focus?! Otherwise it’s perfect!!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I was new to video making when I made this video, later videos don't have this problem.

[@sprogella]

Thank you so much for a great tutorial, clear and informative but the music is such an irritating and repetitive distraction, it made me want to hit something! It was like an earworm that I couldn't get rid of. I could not watch the whole tutorial without turning the sound off! Sorry!

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Hi, Deanna: Thanks for your feedback. I have only started making videos recently and am still working out the kinks. I have gotten a lot of comments about the audio and have tried to fix that in my videos that I am making now. The second part of the Swiss Darning video series has those problems fixed. Hope that helps.

[@sprogella]

@@stuartmoorestextiles thank you for your reply. I'd like to wish you good luck with your channel and I look forward to more great programmes! Well done for sharing your skills ☺️

[@jill552]

This a very good video but no more music. It’s not necessary.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

I will never do it again, I promise.

[@incanada83]

It might have been a good video but I can't get past the "music" which tunes you out and it's aggravating to boot.

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

Hello, Dee! A lot of people have mentioned this in the comments above. I was new to making videos when I first made this one. I was not very good at audio leveling at the time and did indeed make some mistakes. As a few people have pointed out you can watch the video on mute with the closed caption turned on. That worked for them, hopefully it works for you. I spent a lot of time making this free tutorial for people, it's not perfect but please remember there is a real person over here on the other end.

[@incanada83]

@@stuartmoorestextiles Sure! I understand and I value people's time and effort who freely share their knowledge via tutorials. However, I did try with subtitles except the text hid what you were doing.

[@Austinjessop73]

Can I see your feet?

[@stuartmoorestextiles]

No.