Learn how to use the scotch darning technique to darn your socks and knitted garments. This technique is perfect to use to extend the life of your socks until you can knit or buy some more.
Scotch darning is a technique suitable to use on bigger holes. It’s stretchy vertically, but stiff horizontally, and that makes it a perfect technique to use on areas on socks that require a stronger and stretchier repair than the warp/weft darn. It’s also in general quicker to do than the classic warp/weft darn once you get the hang of it.
This post contains affiliate links. This simply means that if you make a purchase, I may earn a small commission without any extra charge for you.
Want to learn more about darning?
- All about darning socks & knitwear + tips & tricks!
- Make a simple weave (warp/weft) darn
- Swiss darning/Duplicate stitch a Heart patch
- Machine darning
You will need:
- Yarn – I am using a grey sock yarn
- A darning needle – if possible select a short length needle for this technique
- A darning mushroom or embroidery hoop (optional)
- Embroidery scissors
If you wonder which yarn to use, how to pick a darning needle and if you really need a darning mushroom or egg I have created a video & blog post where I share general tips & tricks on darning. You can check them both out if you click here.
Let’s learn how to scotch darn!
Thread your yarn needle with similar weight yarn. Put in your darning mushroom (or whatever tool you use to help to create the right tension) and then start with a backstitch – do not make any knots! That will cause blisters – a backstitch is enough to secure the yarn here!
Then use a running stitch and stitch from left to right, above the area that needs to be darned, then push the needle down into the stitch on the row below, pull the yarn through to the left until you reach the end of the first row of running stitches.
Once you have done that it’s time to create the first row! Make sure the needle goes over and under the running stitch, and into the yarn which you just pulled through, whilst holding the yarn tail to the left below the row of running stitches, then pull the needle through over the yarn tail to create a looped stitch.
Continue to hold the yarn tail to left below the stitches and push the needle over and under the running stitch to create a loop, pull the yarn through and continue until the whole row is complete.
Push the needle down into the stitch in the row below and pull the yarn from right to left again.
Then stitch left to right, continuing to hold the yarn tail to the left and this time make sure the needle catches the loop, which created in the previous row, as well as the yarn you just pulled through underneath the stitches, then pull through the yarn over the yarn tail held in place and a new looped stitch is created.
Continue to hold the yarn in place to the left, hold needle over the previous stitch and then pull through the loop as well as the row of yarn to create another looped stitch. Continue in this manner and make to not pull the yarn too tight.
Once your row is complete, push the needle down yet again into the stitch in the row below, pull the yarn from the right to left, and continue to create looped stitches as you did on the previous row.
Repeat until the whole hole or worn-out area is covered and at the very end – make a backstitch to fasten the yarn! Hide tail(s) through the middle and cut off any excess threads.
Your scotch darn is now complete!
Want to save it for later? Pin it!
