10-Hook Replica Darning Loom
This beginner-friendly darning tool helps you quickly darn over a hole, stain or threadbare areas on knitwear and heavy denim.
With 'traditional' darning you have to concentrate on weaving over and under individual vertical threads, but with a simple 'swish' of the hooks the darning loom will do that part of the process for you. By simplifying the weaving process it makes mending more relaxing and enjoyable, especially for beginners.
A 10-hook loom will allow you to mend small holes up to 4cm in diameter. It has slightly wider spaces between each hook, to enable you to darn with thicker yarn and create a looser woven patch.
Simply use as many hooks as you need to cover the hole e.g. 3-4 for tiny holes, or all 10 for bigger holes.
The O.G 'Speedweve' darning loom was invented over 80 years ago. Sadly the original models are no longer in production, but this quality replica loom works in much the same way and will help you create similar results.
Here's what you'll receive:
- 1 x 10-Hook Replica Darning Loom
- 1 x Standard Oak Wood Disk
- 1 x Small Stainless Steel Spring
- 20-page 'Loom Darning for Beginners' Instructional Booklet written exclusively for Ministry of Mending. This 20-page step-by-step booklet includes detailed instructions, advice & tips, as well as detailed colour photos to dymystify the process of darning with a Speedweve style loom and give you the confidence to get going straightaway!
Our standard disk features a V-shape groove which perfectly accomodates our custom-made stainless steel spring. It's made from solid oak wood, has an organic smooth, domed surface on one side and flat surface underneath.
Loom Measurements:
- Wooden disk measures approximately 7cm in diameter.
- Warp width measures approximately 4.2cm wide.
- 10 hooks spaced approx 4mm apart.
The main differences between the 10 & 21-Hook models are:
- The number of hooks
- The size of the hook ends
- The space (width) between each individual hook
If you want to create a finished patch that won't look too bulky, too loose, too tight or too thin, then selecting the correct model for each mending project is key.
Hand-knitters and crocheters with a regular supply of knitwear to fix up should probably invest in a 10-Hook model, and anyone else should look to a 21-Hook model.
10-Hook Loom
Best for: repairing small holes (up to 4cm in diameter) in chunky knitwear, heavy denim and other fabrics of a similar weight.
21-Hook Loom
Best for: repairing small and medium size holes (up to 6.5cm in diameter) in everyday clothing including jeans, t-shirts and fine knitwear (as above).
FAQs
What is a darning loom for?
It's basically a mini loom that helps you quickly darn over a hole, stain or threadbare areas on jeans, t-shirts, socks and more! With 'traditional' darning you have to concentrate on weaving over and under individual threads, but with a simple 'swish' of the hooks the darning loom will do that part of the process for you. By simplifying the weaving process it makes mending more relaxing and enjoyable, especially for beginners.
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I'm a total beginner, how difficult is it to learn?
Not as tricky as it first appears! If you buy a loom from MM you will receive a copy of our exclusive 'Loom Darning for Beginners' guide which walks you through each step of the process from setup to tidying those loose ends when you're finished. We're sure you'll get the hang of it after just a few practice darns.
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Does the 'patch' just sit on the surface... what about the hole underneath?
It seems strange, but it really does work. The 'patch' you weave over the hole is anchored on all four sides which prevents the hole from growing any bigger, so there's absolutely no need to 'fix' the hole on the opposite side. This form of darning is known as 'surface darning; and can be done with or without a darning loom.
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Are a Speedweve and darning loom the same thing?
Yes - pretty much! These days the terms Speedweve and darning loom are used interchangeably to refer to a mini loom used to mend clothing. 'Speedweve' refers to the original vintage looms manufactured in the U.K between the 1940s and 1950s. Modern replicas are based on the original vintage Speedweve design, but are commonly known as a darning loom due to issues around patent laws.
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Can you do repairs that are minimally visible?
Of course - if you choose a colour/s that matches the garment you're repairing you can create mends that are quite discreet. But, if you're a fan of invisible mending, then to be honest, a darning loom is probably not for you.
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What happens if I start using a darning loom and get stuck?
Totally get you! You're welcome to become a member of the Speedweve Fan Club on Facebook. We have over 200 members who are all at different stages of their loom darning journey, so just post a question and you'll definitely get some helpful advice from other fellow menders. Don't forget the Ministry of Mending Instagram account is also jam-packed full of extra content including tips, tricks, videos and patterns. And, if you really are stuck we're always happy to help over email.Quality vs Cheaper Replica Darning Looms
Here's a quick summary of all the differences between the quality replica loom that we sell and much a cheaper version.
The Metal - Each metal loom is made using thick quality aluminium that doesn't bend or flex and has no sharp edges! It's made to last for decades just like the O.G. Speedweve loom.
The Disk - Every single wooden disk is crafted from solid hardwood with a wide groove to perfectly accommodate thicker fabrics and our custom-made springs. You have a choice of a domed shape on one side for darning heels, elbows and knees, or a flat surface on the other for everything else. It's the correct size to allow you to create a square patch using all of the hooks on loom.
The Hooks - The hooks are made from thick quality metal which don't flex and the hook ends are short and filed to a smooth finish making it easy to remove the loom without distorting your patch at the end.
The Hook Spacing - Our 10 & 21-hook models are actually different to one another. Our 21-hook model has smaller gaps between each hook. Why is that so important? Well, it makes your finished patch denser and the balance between the horizontal & vertical threads more even.
The Tension - The hook mechanism has more tension which allows you to easily pop the hooks into the upright position and they'll stay there - this is super handy when it comes to adding in your vertical warp threads.