Darning egg
A darning egg is an egg-shaped support placed beneath fabric when repairing holes. Its curved surface holds the working area open and supports needlework, including sock repairs. Norwegian names include stoppeegg and stoppegg.
Egg and mushroom forms
The egg has a rounded, egg-like working surface. The related darning mushroom has a broader, mushroom-like top. Prym also shows a darning egg with a detachable handle. This is one construction, rather than a feature required of every darning egg.
Older examples
Record material, shape, dimensions, any handle and surface condition. Check whether the parts belong together. An oval wooden object is not necessarily a darning egg; consider its context and documented use. Maker's marks and associated sewing equipment may provide stronger evidence than shape alone. A newly turned egg can resemble an older implement, so age requires separate documentation.
