'Darning' definitions:

Definition of 'darning'

noun

The act of mending a hole in a garment with crossing threads

From: GCIDE

Darn \Darn\ (d[aum]rn), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Darned (d[aum]rnd); p. pr. & vb. n. Darning.] [OE. derne, prob. of Celtic origin; cf. W. darnio to piece, break in pieces, W. & Arm. to E. tear. Cf. Tear, v. t.] To mend as a rent or hole, with interlacing stitches of yarn or thread by means of a needle; to sew together with yarn or thread. [1913 Webster]
He spent every day ten hours in his closet, in darning his stockings. --Swift. [1913 Webster]
Darning last. See under Last.
Darning needle. (a) A long, strong needle for mending holes or rents, especially in stockings. (b) (Zool.) Any species of dragon fly, having a long, cylindrical body, resembling a needle. These flies are harmless and without stings.
Note: [In this sense, usually written with a hyphen.] Called also devil's darning-needle. [1913 Webster]