Darning Socks

Author Hikaru Noguchi is one of the leading designers and creators of darned fabrics and spear-headed the recent revival in darning. She moved to England from Japan in 1989 to study constructed textiles and after completing her studies at Middlesex University she developed new and innovative textiles with designers including Tom Dixon, Top Shop and projects for Barneys, Browns, Paul Smith women, Takashimaya New York and many others. Hikaru has participated in many shows and exhibitions all over the world, and her knitwear designs are sold in boutiques and department stores in London, Paris, New York and Tokyo. Her other publications include Beyond Darning, Darning: Repair, make, mend, Creative Mending and Made in France: Knitting.

Praise for Hikaru’s previous booksThe pictures, diagrams and profiles are so inspiring. Mending clothes is an act of looking after yourself and others. It's essential work that Hikaru does with grace and beauty. Celia Pym, shortlisted for the Women’s Hour Craft Prize, author of On Mending As the environmental impacts of overconsumption become ever more apparent, repair emerges as a powerful political act. This comprehensive compendium provides both instruction and inspiration and is sure to make every reader look at their wardrobe in a whole new light. Dr Amy Twigger Holroyd, Associate Professor of Fashion and Sustainability, Nottingham Trent UniversityColourful photography combined with an easily understood visual guide brings this wonderful book to life! Sanae Kido: Textile SurgeryI’ve mended things since I learned to sew as a child, and thought I knew my stuff. Everything changed when Hikaru invited me to Japan to host a darning workshop alongside the launch of her book. The school of Hikaru teaches that techniques of mending are never ending. We love to mend because we don’t want things to end, but as menders we continue to have new beginnings, just like the garments do. We are continually free to find new ways of doing things. Rachael Matthews, Textile Artist and author of Rag Manifesto Hikaru Noguchi has a wonderful and considered approach to visible mending. In her book Darning she explains in great detail how to use a variety of darning and appliqué techniques, what materials are suitable, and step-by-step instructions. Last but not least, all techniques are accompanied by beautiful pictures for plenty of inspiration to do your own repairs. Tom van Deijnen (Tom of Holland)

• Why do socks wear out?2Let’s try darning a sock6Yarn and threads for darning10Tools for darning12How to thread the needle13The saviour for sock darning – tights14Different ways of applying tights materials16Areas most susceptible to damage in socks17Technique 1: Darning with Parallel honeycomb stitch18 Technique 2: Darning with round honeycomb stitch20Technique 3: Darning with sesame stitch22Technique 4: Darning with English basket stitch24Technique 5: Darning with Loop seed stitch26Technique 6: Repairing/fixing sock opening27 Stitches used in this book28Running/tambourine/Y stitch/zigzag parallel honeycomb stitch/Swiss darningUse techniques effectively 29Part 7: Room socks…58Part 8: Hand-knit socksPart 9: Five-toe socksPart 10: Follow-up darningPart 11: TightsColumn 2: Socks to be cherished.73PIart 1: Thin socks 30Part 2: Normal thickness socksPart 3: Warm socksPart 4: Commuting socksPart 5: Laddered socks Part 6 : Sports socks 54Column 1 Sports socks and darning art 57Socks by darning maniacs 74 Darning Q&AEpilogue