How to Mend Socks

Select Thread. You will need to choose thread that closely matches the color and thickness of the sock you are mending. You can use dark-colored thread for horizontal stitches and light-colored thread for vertical stitches. If you have dark-colored socks, using white thread will make it easier to see what you're doing. Similarly, you will use black thread on white socks. You don't need to use the exact same color thread—unless you're a foot model—because no one will see the socks inside your shoes.

Thread the needle. Besides using a darning needle, you can use any regular needle. You will thread one or two strands of thread depending on the thickness of the sock. As you might guess, if the sock is thick, you will need thicker thread (or double up the thread). Tie a knot at the end of the thread. You will sew the sock from the inside out, so the knot will be inside the sock.

Insert the darning egg inside the sock. A darning egg is a wooden oval-shaped tool that helps you stretch the sock to clearly see the hole. You can buy a darning egg at knitting supply stores.

• If you don’t have a darning egg or don’t want to buy one, you can use any round object. A tennis ball works well, and a light bulb can also work, as long as you’re careful. You can also use your other hand by inserting it into the sock as if wearing it. However, the latter method will make mending more challenging.

Trim the frayed edges. Use thread scissors to cut away loose threads and frayed fabric around the hole. Just make sure not to cut too much to avoid enlarging the hole.

Repeat the stitches. You will need to sew over and across the hole, moving the needle back and forth several times until the hole is closed with parallel stitches.

Now sew perpendicular stitches to the parallel ones (optional). Sewing perpendicular stitches over the previous ones will secure the patch you’ve created with thread. Simply weave the needle up and down through the existing stitches.

• Don’t wait until the hole gets bigger. Remember the saying: "A stitch in time saves nine." Fixing it early means using less thread and saving time.
• “A stitch in nine” refers to adding a stitch behind the ninth basting stitch. This means if you run out of thread or it breaks during the process, you don’t need to undo all the previous stitches—just continue from the extra stitch, saving time—right?
• Proverbs can sometimes be tricky. However, as you might have guessed, this one means doing a little now saves you from a lot of trouble later.

• Be careful not to prick your fingers with the needle while sewing or stitching. You can use a thimble to protect your fingertips or opt for a darning needle, which is less sharp.

• A sock with a hole or frayed patch
• Needle
• Thread matching the sock's color
• Darning egg or a similar tool