When DMC asked if I wanted to try their new Eco Vita thread and mending loom, I had to say yes! They kindly sent me the full line of their naturally dyed organic wool thread, weaving loom, and their new mending book. All of which are gorgeous!
I've darned quite a few things before, but not knits and not with a mending loom. This was also my first time working Eco Vita thread. Since the materials were new to me, I figured it would be best to start with a small project like a woven sock mend. This was an easy mend that I was able to stitch from start to finish in under 30mins. After mending my sock, I moved on to a sweater.
If you've ever wanted to give a mending loom a try, here's a step by step tutorial on what you'll need as well as how to use it.
What You'll Need to Darn Knits
DMC mending loom kit (this includes the loom and long needle)
thread a similar weight to the garment being mended (I used DMC Eco Vita thread)
sharp scissors
garment in need of mending
Video Tutorial on How to Darn Knits Using a Darning Loom
Step By Step Tutorial on How to Darn Knits Using a Darning Loom
1. Start by accessing your garment. Where is the hole or worn area? Can I easily get to it to mend? Is this area small enough for the mending loom? If the answer is yes to these questions, then continue on with the tutorial.
2. Next choose your thread. DMC gifted me their new collection of Eco Vita thread which is specifically designed for mending. When I saw the rainbow of colors, I was surprised to learn it was all naturally dyed. Plus, the thread is so soft and easy to stitch with. So much so that I already have my next mending project planned.
For my mend, I chose 2 different colors. This is because I find it's easier to see the horizontal and vertical rows when weaving in the mend. Depending upon where your mend is, you might want thread similar in color to the fabric or you might want a bright colorful mend.
3. Place the garment in the mending loom. Start by sliding the block to the desired point on the underside of the garment. Line up the block with the center of the area that needs mending. Slide the loom into the lip of the block. Then secure the loom to the block with a rubber band.
4. Prep the thread. Measure an arm's length of thread and cut it away from the skein. Then thread the needle. DO NOT knot the end of the thread. The tail end will hang loose and be woven in later.
5. When using a mending loom, you need to start with the vertical thread lines first. This is so that you can attach the thread to the loom. Bring the needle into the fabric about an inch away from where you want the mend to start and pull it on through to the starting point. Let the thread hang out so that there is a tail a few inches long. Then start weaving the vertical lines.
Loop the thread around the first loom hook, then bring it back down into the fabric next to the first stitch. Come up through the fabric slightly next to where you just went into the fabric. Then loop the thread around the second loom hook. Continue until the area that needs mending is covered with vertical lines.
End the thread how it was started by bringing it down and then back up through the fabric about an inch away. Leave the tail end loose.
6. Now stitch the horizontal thread lines. Start these rows as the previous rows were started. Make sure the loom hooks are all pointing in one direction. Then weave the needle through the threads: up, down, up, down, etc. The thread will only go through the thread while weaving and only through the fabric at either side of the mend.
After one row is woven, bring the thread into the fabric and back up next to it and slightly above on the same side. Flip the mending loom hooks, then weave back in the opposite direction. I found it easier to weave the needle through the thread using the eye of the needle.
7. After the mending area is filled, gently remove the mending loom. Because of the mending loom hooks, that side will have looks along the mend. These will need to be tacked down in one final row of weaving. For this row, the needle will go through the fabric and the thread when woven. End the thread as before, leaving the tail end loose.
8. Finish the mend by weaving in the thread ends. Start by flipping the garment inside out. I found it helpful to side the block against the right side of the fabric to have a hard surface underneath my mend. Find the long thread jumps on the back of the fabric. These are the loose tail ends. Pull them to the back of the fabric. Thread a tail end and weave it through nearby existing stitches on the back. Once it's been woven into a few stitches, trim the thread.
9. When the mend is complete, flip the garment right side out and enjoy!
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