Darning is a sewing technique for repairing holes or worn areas in fabric or knitting using needle and thread alone. It’s often done by hand, but using a sewing machine is also possible. Hand darning employs the darning stitch, a simple running stitch in which the thread is woven in rows along the grain of the fabric, with the stitcher reversing direction at the end of each row, and then filling in the framework thus created, as if weaving.
Darning is a traditional method for repairing fabric damage or holes that don’t run along a seam, and where patching is impractical or would create discomfort for the wearer, such as on the heel of a sock.
Darning also refers to any of several needlework techniques that are worked using darning stitches: pattern darning, net darning, and needle weaving.