Or, if the hole is large, run a thread all around it first, and draw it up somewhat, but of course not enough to pucker. The hole is not only made smaller by this operation, but the darn is strengthened.
Mending Stockings with a Crochet most expert darn, which requires the greatest skill and is also the easiest on the feet, is to fasten to the stitches that have become bro ken a single strand of darning thread to match the thread of which the stocking is woven. Then crochet a smooth chain of sufficient length to reach across the opening, and fasten in the broken thread on the opposite side of the hole. Continue this proc ess back and forth each time, catch ing the thread in the chain already made. When the hole is filled you have a surface as smooth as the orig inal fabric of the stocking itself.
Darning Woolen Stockings.—When darning a woolen stocking it is well to go over the break the first time with coarse cotton or sewing silk. Then make a coarse layer of good woolen yarn; this insures a smooth and substantial darn.
Darning with Crochet Stitch.—An other method, which is not quite so expert nor so satisfactory in the mat ter of comfort, is to first cut away the worn edges of the bole until you reach strong material. Then, with
wool or cotton of suitable weight crochet round the edge, putting the hook through the material. Con tinue this process round and round, each time narrowing to give the proper shape, until the opening is closed.
Darning Thread. — When darning black stockings use silkatine, as it is more durable than yarn. This thread is also best for fancy colored stock ings, as it is easier to match the color of the stocking and makes a more durable darn.
Or use fancy crochet cotton, which is not quite so expensive as the regu lar darning cotton and makes a very good darn.
Or use black silk, which comes for the purpose and makes the neatest darn for black stockings.
Darning Ball.—The darning ball, which may be purchased at any de partment store, is a white or black china egg; but there are many home devices which are found in many cases far more satisfactory. For instance, in the country where gourds are grown nothing is better, as they are number less in shape and size.