What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
darning
Example
She spent the afternoon darning her son's socks. [darning: verb]
Example
The darning on the elbow of his sweater was expertly done. [darning: noun]
sewing
Example
She sewed a patch onto the knee of her jeans. [sewed: past tense]
Example
I enjoy sewing my own clothes. [sewing: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sewing is more commonly used than darning in everyday language. Sewing is a versatile skill that can be used for a wide range of purposes, while darning is a more specialized technique used specifically for repairing holes or tears in fabric.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between darning and sewing?
Both darning and sewing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and the level of formality required.