Q&A for How to Darn a Sock

Match the color of the thread to the fabric as close as possible. Also, use a thread that is more on the cotton side or a strong synthetic thread as opposed to something that has more stretch to it.

The smaller the needle, the less chance that people will be able to notice the stitching.

You can use any thread. Try to choose one of a similar weight/thickness to the threads the sock is made from. You can use any thread you have on hand or even embroidery thread, but you would probably only need 1 or 2 strands of thread from embroidery thread. You can use yarn for wool socks.

Try a local tailor; they repair other clothes all the time, and I don't see why socks would be any different.

You need to tie knots in the thread large enough to secure the stitches: one at the end of the thread before starting, and one at the end of your final stitch. You can also tie knots between stitches, although this might be a bit excessive for socks.

Repeating stitches means doing the same stitch again and again. In the offered instructions, you are to create lines of stitches parallel to each other in one direction, say horizontally. Run thread into non-threadbare fabric that borders the sock hole on each side as your needle crosses the hole. Keeping some tension in the thread will help hold the hole together. Once covered with these horizontal stitches, change direction and cover the hole with vertical stitches. Do these in the same fashion. Repeat. This time weave the needle in and out of the lines of thread recently laid across the sock hole. Still run thread into solid fabric on border of the hole.

I start darning holes in socks by putting a couple rings of running stitches around the hole. These stitches are placed far enough from the edge of the hole that the new threads have something secure to hold onto. Thereafter, every horizontal and vertical stitch gets carried into (and past) this secured border stitching to form a wider weave of new thread or yarn. In the end, all the new threads are covering the former hole in the sock. Using "darning wool" this specific thread will sort of melt or blend into to nearby fabric after a few washings.

Yes, if the socks are of the same weight or thickness as the yarn you intend to stitch with.