Loom Darning Starter Set - no loom included
**Please be aware this kit does not come supplied with a Speedweve loom - this will need to be purchased separately.**
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 vintage Speedweve of your choice (bought separately), along with 10 threads/yarns, a selection of needles and some Tailor's chalk.
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.
Here's what's in the kit:
- 4 x Individual Needles in a test tube - No.18 Tapestry Needle, No.20 Chenille Needle, 76mm Ballpoint Needle & 100mm Ballpoint Needle.
- 1 x pack of Prym Long Darning Needles
- 1 x pack of Bohin Yarn Darning Needles
- 1 x Metal Needle Threader
- 1 x Tailor's Chalk Square
- 80m x Organic Cotton Thread & 20m Variegated Cotton Thread, OR 80m x Reclaimed Merino Yarn & 20m x Reclaimed Variegated Merino Yarn.
- 1 x Ministry of Mending Gift Box with Wool Selvedge Ribbon
Gift Box size: 24.5cm x 18cm x 6.5cm
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).
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.