Darning Sockscontains a collection of ideas and full step-by-step instructions for applying visible mending to socks, making them stay in use and keeping them out of landfill.
This beautiful new book is translated from the Japanese book by Hikaru Noguchi and offers her usual high level of beautiful photography and inspirational ideas. Hikaru has invented a novel way to make the mends on your socks last even longer, saving you time and energy.
No previous sewing experience is necessary and full instructions are included, from the easy way to thread a needle and choosing the right thread, to the inspirational use of colour and innovative materials for the experienced sewer.
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.
Why do socks wear out? 2
Lets try darning a sock 6
Yarn and threads for darning 10
Tools for darning 12
How to thread the needle 13
The saviour for sock darning - tights 14
Different ways of applying tights materials 16
Areas most susceptible to damage in socks 17
Technique 1: Darning with Parallel honeycomb stitch 18
Technique 2: Darning with round honeycomb stitch 20
Technique 3: Darning with sesame stitch 22
Technique 4: Darning with English basket stitch 24
Technique 5: Darning with Loop seed stitch 26
Technique 6: Repairing/fixing sock opening 27
Stitches used in this book 28
Running/tambourine/Y stitch/zigzag parallel honeycomb stitch/Swiss darning
Use techniques effectively 29
Part 7: Room socks...58
Part 8: Hand-knit socks
Part 9: Five-toe socks
Part 10: Follow-up darning
Part 11: Tights
Column 2: Socks to be cherished.73
PIart 1: Thin socks 30
Part 2: Normal thickness socks
Part 3: Warm socks
Part 4: Commuting socks
Part 5: Laddered socks
Part 6 : Sports socks 54
Column 1 Sports socks and darning art 57
Socks by darning maniacs 74
Darning Q&A
Epilogue
Praise for Hikarus previous books
The pictures, diagrams and profiles are so inspiring. Mending clothes is an act of looking after yourself and others. Its essential work that Hikaru does with grace and beauty.
Celia Pym, shortlisted for the Womens 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 University
Colourful photography combined with an easily understood visual guide brings this wonderful book to life! Sanae Kido: Textile Surgery
Ive 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 dont 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 applique 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)
