Darning Mushroom, what you could use instead
A darning mushroom is a traditional tool used to repair and maintain textiles and knitwear. Its domed shape and smooth surface provide a stable and elevated platform for darning, allowing for easier stitching and preventing distortion of the fabric or your knitwear.
The darning mushroom’s ergonomic design fits comfortably, facilitating seamless manoeuvrability while working on repairs. It’s a handy tool that makes mending a bit easier. I prefer a darning macaron, which is a darning mushroom without a stem. It’s a wooden disc with a slightly domed top. Generally, but not always, a groove runs around the outer edge to secure an elastic band or cord.
“85% of all textiles go to the dump each year, which is the equivalent of one garbage truck full of clothes being burned or dumped in a landfill every second.”
Alternatives to a Darning Mushroom or Macaron
What can you use if you don’t have a darning mushroom? There are several items you can use as alternatives to achieve similar results.
Egg Shape: I came across a wooden egg that cost me £1.50. It would work well for darning small holes in socks.
Small Embroidery Hoop: A small hoop is useful for slightly larger repairs and darns. The hoop comes in two parts; the fabric is sandwiched between the two hoops and fastened tight with a screw. This gives the fabric stability and stops it from puckering up. It is handy for darning, patching or embroidery mending.
Jar Lid: A jar lid can be used as a darning aid for repairs. Choose a lid that fits comfortably, positioning it beneath the damaged area. While not ideal, a lid can still provide support and stability for stitching.
Ceramic Trinket Lid: A ceramic trinket box usually has the perfect size and shape lid, which has, more often than not, a slightly domed lid. This is ideal for creating a makeshift darning support. I found one for £1.75.
Pestle and Mortar: The pestle bit of the pestle and mortar set. This shape is particularly useful for darning holes in socks.
Stone Pebble: You may have the right size pebble in your garden, the sort people use for pebble or stone painting. It’s an excellent shape as it will be slightly domed and smooth.
Wooden Spoon: The back of a larger wooden spoon could work as it has a domed shape.
Golf Ball: A golf ball can also be a makeshift darning aid for smaller repairs. Place the ball inside the socks you’re going to darn. The rounded shape provides a firm surface to support your stitching and prevents fabric stretching and distorting.
In Conclusion
You can effectively darn your garments without needing a traditional darning mushroom or macaron. You can improvise by using items around your home. Whether using a lid, pebble or pestle, the key is to find a stable support that holds the fabric in place while stitching. With creativity and resourcefulness, I am sure you can find other things I haven’t considered using. You’ll be able to breathe new life into your worn-out clothing through the art of darning, mending or patching boro.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” – Coco Chanel
Coming Soon – Beautiful hand-turned Darning Mushrooms made in Somerset.
