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All levels
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17 min 18 sec
00:25
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06:09
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10:44
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Darning is an artful technique that goes far beyond simple mending. Heidi Parkes, a skilled fiber artist from Milwaukee, often uses darning to embellish her beautiful and unique quilts. She adds texture to her creations by weaving threads in neat, straight lines or manipulating the warp and weft to form intricate, decorative shapes. With just a needle and thread, Heidi demonstrates how darning can be a quick and effective way to add dimension to any textile art, or even just a piece of clothing.
Learn how to:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Needle - Heidi likes the Dritz milliner's multi-pack
- Thread - Heidi is using DMC pearl size 8
- Embroidery hoop to fit the size of your darning
- Scissors and snips
- Thimbles, Heidi uses pushing and pulling/gripping thimbles
- Removable marking tool
Downloads:
- Hand sew a weaving with warp and weft
- Thread weave a square and circle
- Extend your darning with running stitch
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

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Hand Darning Techniques Reviews
86 users recommended this class to a friend
Katie Morrill
Seems very doable now, great instructions. Excited to give it another try with Heidi's pointers!
February 12
Linda Freedman
I darn socks frequently. I wasn't sure about making a grid across a hole. It did work out. Another method I tried was a patch from a like sock. I cut off the toe portion of the spare sock and made a custom size for the toe area of the sock I mended. It worked fine. I do this for favorite socks that we don't want to part with! Thank you! Linda
February 1, 2025
Jude Forler
Loved her explanation of why.
What a great way to extend the life of something well loved.
Thank you for the reminder of tailor's knots!
January 30, 2025