A while back, I wrote all about the frugal art of darning socks. It is really a very easy process, one that can be done while watching television, talking on the phone, or as I sometimes do it, while supervising the kids in the bathtub.
Some people may drawn the line at darning socks, preferring to just replace them. That is fine. After all, you have to do what works for you. We tend to prefer thick expensive moisture-wicking socks, so darning them makes sense for us. For kids socks, I usually don’t bother, since they have already gone through a lot of use, are outgrown eventually, and can be had for free or cheaply.
You can darn clothing other than socks of course. Usually it is easier to sew a garment, because most garments get tears and not actual holes. But there are some cases when sweaters, for example, may become threadbare in a particular spot.
One of the questions I have been asked was, “Where can I find darning thread?” It is getting harder to find. Sometimes you can find it at a quilt or sewing shop. Regular craft shops tend not to carry it. I usually find mine in New York City, at a mom and pop housewares store in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
If you can’t find darning thread anywhere, you can always use embroidery thread to darn with. it is strong and supple, and it works very well for the purpose. Embroidery floss comes in six strands that are twisted together. Separate the strands and use one strand for standard darning and two stands for thicker materials. You can find embroidery thread very easily at craft stores, Walmart, etc. And, the embroidery thread is very inexpensive. You can find all sorts of colors to match the color of your socks or whatever it is you are darning.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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