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How do you darn a large area?

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Putting off studying for even longer, I decided to start on the pile of mending that has been sitting in a corner of my bedroom on top of the sewing box for, erm, ages!
Most bits are no problem. What I have a problem with are my wee one's tights that have no heel left in them at all! I have tried to darn them, but, because the hole is so big in each one, she would end up with a big lumpy bit right under her heel which wouldn't be comfy at all. I have a few pair of socks as well with the same problem.
I already have quite a few old socks etc that I use for dusting, and some of these are her favourite tights, so don't want to recycle them just yet if I can help it!
Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
(he points to some plastic cows on the table) are very small; those (pointing at some cows out of the window) are far away...
:D:D:D

Comments

  • valk_scot
    valk_scot Posts: 5,290 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    If the socks are hand knitted you can just knit in a new heel with matching or contrast yarn. I do this quite regularly. Most folk don't knit their own socks these days though so unless they're expensive wool socks, just forget it for heel darns over about half an inch. Doesn't work and as you say, uncomfortable.

    Same with the tights. Just not possible in that area.

    What interests me though is why they're all wearing out in the same area so much. It usually means excessive friction. I find wellies are the worst for wearing holes in socks etc because the fit isn't normally that accurate but also it can be a sign that shoes aren't quite right ie too loose in the heel cup. does she have very narrow feet and "walk out" of her shoes?
    Val.
  • thriftwizard
    thriftwizard Posts: 4,862 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Turn them into leggings - just cut the foot right off & hem round them, then get her to wear them with socks & boots.
    Most of mine wear through heels very fast - we have feet that are wide at the front, so need a wide shoe, but they're narrow at the back, so we're always "walking out" of them! T-bar or lace-up shoes always worked best, but oh, the battles we had about that...
    Angie - GC Jul 25: £225.85/£500 : 2025 Fashion on the Ration Challenge: 26/68: (Money's just a substitute for time & talent...)
  • I have to say the comfiest tights I ever had where thick coton ones that I darned with ordinary knitting wool on the heal and sole. Made for very comfy walking, maybe too much for a tot but brilliant on adult ones.
    Put the kettle on. ;)
  • Meant to add I darn over a small bottle or tin, I go to and from one way tp creat a weft then weave thrpugh the other way catching in the cloth at each end of a row of weaving.
    Put the kettle on. ;)
  • rosie383
    rosie383 Posts: 4,981 Forumite
    edited 26 January 2012 at 12:49AM
    Thanks for the suggestions. She doesn't walk out of her shoes, has well fitting ones from Clarks, but, tbh, the tights are rubbish quality. I haven't found any decent quality ones in her size this year for school so I just got cheap ones.
    Good idea Thriftwizard. I did cut the feet off one pair and they looked so short. Didn't think of putting them with socks and boots!
    Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
    (he points to some plastic cows on the table) are very small; those (pointing at some cows out of the window) are far away...
    :D:D:D
  • Old_Joe
    Old_Joe Posts: 243 Forumite
    Oh, as an octogenarian that reminded me of when as a thirteen year old lad I had to darn the huge 'spuds' in my woollen socks needing to use the mushroom. If I tried cheating by gathering it together it was cut out and I was made to darn them properly. Much to be said about man-made fibres used today. ;)
  • rosie383
    rosie383 Posts: 4,981 Forumite
    Talking of mushrooms, my Mum used to have a lovely wooden one which I had great fun with as a child. Can you still get them?
    Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
    (he points to some plastic cows on the table) are very small; those (pointing at some cows out of the window) are far away...
    :D:D:D
  • rosie383
    rosie383 Posts: 4,981 Forumite
    Just had a wee look on ebay, and they sell for a few pounds. Might treat myself!
    Father Ted: Now concentrate this time, Dougal. These
    (he points to some plastic cows on the table) are very small; those (pointing at some cows out of the window) are far away...
    :D:D:D
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