How to Repair Holey Socks Without Darning

My sister gave me a few pairs of Maggie's Organic cotton socks, incredibly comfortable until they developed holes in the heels. I agonized over whether to repair or toss, and decided that it would be worth fixing the holes in these favorite, and expensive, socks. The holes were challenging to darn, so I created a patch method for the sock heels to save them. Whether you've got Smartwool socks or favorite cotton socks, this is an easy and lasting repair method for holes in the heel, and requires no darning and only minimal sewing skills.

This method works best on heavyweight socks. The key is a patch from a matching sock. The original socks had come in a three pack. One sock disappeared in the wash, and this mateless sock provided material for patching the other two pairs. It's more important to match the weight and type of the material than the color as the patch will be covered by your shoe. Consider going fun and funky with a contrasting sock patch and bright thread. Reduce, reuse and recycle, salvage those favorite socks, and be proud of your own handiwork.

Sock Repair Supplies

Favorite holey socks

Spare holey or unmatched sock

Needle and Thread

Squash or other smooth rubber ball (or darning egg from Grandma!)

Cut a Patch from the Spare Sock

Using a spare sock of roughly the same weight, find a solid area on the body of the sock. Cut a circle of material from the sock large enough to cover your entire heel. Stretch the sock material over your thumb to round it slightly to fit over the heel. The patch is ready to sew in place.

Stitch the Patch onto the Holey Sock

Put the squash ball inside the sock that is to be repaired. The ball will hold the sock's shape and make it much easier to sew. Move the ball to the heel area and pull the sock tightly over the ball so the hole is accessible. Place the shaped patch over the hole.

The patch is stitched in place using a whip stitch. Run the thread through the edge of the patch in a loop 3-4 times to secure it. Take a 1/8" stitch through the edge of the patch, move the needle ahead 1/8" and take a 1/8" stitch through the sock. Stitch 1/8" through the edge of the patch and repeat. Work all the way around the diameter of the patch until it's securely stitched to the sock. Secure the thread, remove the ball from the sock, and put the sock on!