top of page
Loom Darning Starter Set

Loom Darning Starter Set

PriceFrom £85.00
Introducing our 'Loom Darning Starter Set' - this carefully curated collection of beautiful tools and supplies is guaranteed to help you kick start your loom darning journey with ease and joy.
 
Nestled inside a Ministry of Mending presentation box full of eco 'zig-zag shred', we'll pack a quality replica darning loom of your choice, along with 10 threads/yarns, a selection of needles, some Tailor's chalk, one of our custom-made springs and a 20-page 'Loom Darning for Beginners' step-by-step guide.
 
The whole box is tied off with a stunning wool selvedge ribbon, making it a perfect gift or simply use this sturdy box to safely store all your mending bits 'n bobs when not in use.
 
The original 'Speedweve' darning loom was invented over 80 years ago, to help make weaving over and under threads quicker and easier. The loom holds the warp (vertical) threads in place over the hole in the fabric and with a simple 'swish' of the hooks, alternate warp threads are raised higher. As you slide your needle below the hook ends you can magically weave over one thread and then under the next, in a second!
 
Here's what's in the kit:
or 80m x Reclaimed Merino Yarn & 20m x Reclaimed Variegated Merino Yarn (please choose from the 6 available sets shown in the photo gallery).
  • 1 x Ministry of Mending Gift Box with Wool Selvedge Ribbon
Gift Box size: 24.5cm x 18cm x 6.5cm 
 
Darning Loom Options:
The main differences between these 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 (approx 4cm) in chunky knitwear (4-ply and above), heavy denim and other fabrics of a similar weight. The 10-Hook model has slightly wider spaces between each hook to enable you to darn with thicker yarn and create a looser woven patch.

21-Hook Loom
Best for: repairing small and medium holes (approx 6.5cm) in everyday clothing including jeans, t-shirts and fine knitwear (as above). Perfect for creatives who want to get experimental with weaving patterns.
More hooks = flexibility to weave a wider patch! Just bear in mind the larger disk can make it tricky to darn some areas e.g. tiny sleeves, legs and socks.
 
Standard Disk vs. Premium Disk*:
Our standard disk is made from light-coloured beech wood. It has an organic smooth, domed surface on one side and flat surface underneath and also features a V-shape groove which perfectly accomodates our custom-made stainless steel spring.
 
Our premium disk is hand-turned in Cornwall, U.K. using FSC certified oak. Each one has a smooth, domed surface on one side, a flat side on the other and a natural walnut* oil finish. It features a deeper, square shape groove which accomodates a little more fabric compared to our classic 14-hook replica darning loom. The edges of the disk are also slightly more rounded and smoother than our standard disk.
 
Thread & Yarn Options:
Cotton Thread Sets
A: Navy (047), Aqua (107), Parakeet (140), Pollen (056), Tiger (168), Flamingo (006), Violet (181), Daisy (061).
B: Navy (047), Royal Blue (069), Hunter Green (092), Pollen (056), Rust (064), Madder Red (012), Berry (072), Daisy (061).
C: Black (086), Navy (047), Mid Denim (074), Hunter Green (092), Rust (064), Rose (159), Silver (169), Daisy (061).
 
Merino Yarn Sets
A: Ink (017), Classic Denim (035), Wheelbarrow (082), Bumblebee (096), Carrot (005), Razzmatazz (183), Tanzanite (174), Marshmallow (167).
B: Ink (017), Kingfisher (105), Teal Green (016), Bumblebee (096), Sticky Toffee Apple (052), Hibiscus Tea (033), Cadbury's Purple (097), Marshmallow (167)
C: Jet (014), Ink (017), Blueberry (153), Mint Medley (120), Ginger Nut (166), Flint (079), Smoke (057), Marshmallow (167).
 
* Nut Allergy Disclaimer *
Please be aware our premium oak disk has been treated with a nut oil finish. If for any reason you require a disk without an oil finish then please email us.

  • 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.


    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
    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.


    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
    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.


    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
    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.


    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
    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.


    - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 
    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, 14 & 21-hook models are actually different to one another. Our 14 & 21-hook models have 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. 

bottom of page