How to Make a Set-In Patch in Darning

The set in patch in darning works best in cotton fabrics and is not suitable for darning wool. It uses excess fabric to create a patch. The set in patch provides an obvious but neat repair for bed sheets, curtains and underclothes. Look below for instructions on how to make a set in patch in darning.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scissors
• Fabric
• Thread
• Iron
• Pins

1. Use sewing scissors to cut off any hanging threads, frayed areas or other signs of wear and tear until you have created a square hole to patch. The size of the square will depend on the size of the hole.

2. Cut a patch out of similar material for use in later steps. The patch should be square, larger than the hole and basted along the edges so that the rough edges fold under. It is easier to do the patch at this point rather than later on.

3. Snip diagonally at the corners of the square you created in Step 1 making 4 cuts about a 1/4-inch in length and fold under. You may want to use a hot iron to steam the flaps under. This will make sewing the patch a little easier.

4. Place the patch with the right side facing out behind the square hole from Step 1 and pin or baste in place. This means that the patch is visible through the hole.

5. Hem the patch into place using a hemming stitch. This means creating small secure evenly spaced stitches around the entire perimeter of the patch making sure both the edges of the hole and the patch are sewn together with each stitch.

6. Trim any loose threads and remove any holding pins from the fabric.

7. Use a hot iron to steam the patch flat and use the garment as usual.