How Do You Spell DARNING-EGG?

Pronunciation: [dˈɑːnɪŋˈɛɡ] (IPA)

Darning-egg is a tool used for repairing holes in clothes. Its spelling is unusual because the word "darning" is pronounced with a silent "n". The correct IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈdɑrnɪŋ-ɛɡ/. According to the etymology of the word, "darning" comes from "darn", which means "to mend". The second part of the word "egg" refers to the oval shape of the tool. Despite the peculiar spelling, "darning-egg" has been in use since the early 19th century and remains a valuable aid for mending clothes.

DARNING-EGG Meaning and Definition

  1. A darning-egg is a small, egg-shaped object specifically designed for mending or repairing small holes in fabric, particularly knitted items like socks, sweaters, or stockings. It is typically made from wood, metal, or porcelain and has a smooth, rounded surface. The purpose of a darning-egg is to provide support and tension while darning, thus enabling the darning thread to pass smoothly over the damaged area.

    When a garment develops a hole or tear, the darning-egg is placed under the hole or within the garment to provide a firm backing. The darning process involves weaving thread or yarn across the damaged area to bridge the gap and create a new fabric where the original has been worn away. The darning-egg's rounded shape helps to replicate the natural contours of the fabric and ensures that the woven threads are done evenly.

    Darning eggs come in various sizes to accommodate different items of clothing and their specific areas requiring repair. They provide stability and prevent the fabric from bunching up during the mending process. A darning-egg is an essential tool used by crafters, knitters, and sewing enthusiasts who seek to prolong the life of their garments by skillfully repairing any damage, thus saving them the cost of replacement.

Common Misspellings for DARNING-EGG

  • darning0egg
  • darningpegg
  • darningegg
  • darningmegg

Etymology of DARNING-EGG

The word "darning-egg" is formed by combining two separate words: "darning" and "egg".

The term "darning" originated from the Old French word "darnier", which means "to mend" or "to repair". It first appeared in English in the 16th century, describing the technique of repairing holes or tears in fabric with needle and thread.

On the other hand, the word "egg" simply refers to the shape of the tool used in darning. A darning-egg is an egg-shaped wooden or metal tool, typically rounded at one end and tapered at the other. The rounded end is placed beneath the hole in the fabric to provide support while darning, allowing easier stitching and preventing the needle from piercing through to the other side.

Plural form of DARNING-EGG is DARNING-EGGS

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