Sewing a Hole in a Sock

Socks wear out quickly, but can easily be repaired at home.

Repairing your own clothing is an important skill to learn. Reusing the clothing item of choice is good for the environment because it reduces waste. Additionally, you can also save significant sums of money by fixing up your own clothes rather than buying new pieces. Socks often wear out in the heel and toe areas, and require repair after multiple uses.

Things You'll Need

• Sock
• Scissors
• Needle
• Thread
• Fabric

Instructions

1. Choose a thread color to match the color of the sock you are repairing. If there are multiple colors in the sock, choose a multicolored thread or a single color that will blend in best with the sock.

2. Determine if you require more fabric to sew the sock closed, or if the hole is small enough that you can just mend it using thread. If the sock requires a patch, find a fabric to best match the sock.

3. Cut excess thread from around the hole without making the hole bigger.

4. Pick a starting point to sew the hole closed such that you do not limit the space within the sock where your foot should fit. Try to follow seams as closely as possible so your stitches are not inconsistent with the pattern of the sock.

5. Thread your needle and make a knot large enough to hold at the end of the thread. Start the knot in the thread from the inside of the sock so you have a clean look from the outside of the sock. Hold the edges you are sewing together, overlapping them if necessary. Sew far enough away from the edge of the fabrics that your repairs are not easily undone. Weave the needle in and out of the surface of the sock to create small stitches as you move along the edges of the fabrics you are sewing together. If you are patching the hole, remember to cleanly sew all the way around the hole.

6. Sew another line of stitches perpendicularly across the edges to reinforce your repair. Repeat this method of stitching until you are satisfied with the strength of the repair.

7. Use a running stitch to secure your other stitches to the sock and remove the knot that held your thread to the sock during your repair.

8. Trim the excess thread using scissors.

Tips & Warnings

• Darning is generally a better method to repair socks than sewing.

• Be careful of sharp needles as they may cause injury.

References

• Martha Stewart Living; How to Repair Small Holes in Sweaters and Socks
• Knitty; Repairing Knitwear