Loom Darning Deluxe Kit
Introducing our 'Loom Darning Deluxe Kit' - this thoughtfully assembled mending kit features some of our best selling loom darning accessories and is the perfect set for mending newbies who need all the essentials to get started with a Speedweve style darning loom, plus a few extras too!
Inside you'll find a quality replica darning loom of your choice, along with 20 threads/yarns, a huge set of needles, a magnetic needle minder, a water erasable marker pen, one of our custom-made springs and a 20-page 'Loom Darning for Beginners' step-by-step guide.
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:
- 1 x Replica Darning Loom with metal loom part & wood disk
- 1 x Stainless Steel Spring (size will vary dependent on your choice of loom)
- 20-page 'Loom Darning for Beginners' Instructional Booklet
- 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 pack of Tulip Sashiko Needles (Long)
- 1 x Metal Needle Threader
- 1 x Magnetic Needle Minder
- 1 x Milwards Water Erasable Pen (White)
- 80m x Organic Cotton Thread - choose from 3 different colour sets
- 20m Variegated Cotton Thread
- 80m x Reclaimed Merino Yarn - choose from 3 different colour sets
- 20m x Reclaimed Variegated Merino Yarn
- Optional: 1 x Ministry of Mending Gift Box with Wool Selvedge Ribbon (Gift Box size: 24.5cm x 18cm x 6.5cm). Add a gift box to your order and we'll do all the hard work for you - no wrapping required! Everything will be carefully packed neatly inside one of our beautiful gift boxes embossed with our logo, cushioned by eco zig-zag shred and tied off with a stunning wool selvedge ribbon bow.
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.
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.
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.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 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.