[Fit2BKilted]

I've heard that this is the way it once was done; but, I haven't ever seen a practical description of how one would fabricate such items... Why is it that they don't seem to be done anymore?

[Piper]

I've found this pattern on the internet. Haven't used it myself as yet, although I did use part of it for a pair of "footless hose" ( more appropriate to my skill level). I have friends who've used it with great success.
http://www.orbitals.com/self/history/stocking.pdf

[Pleater]

They are called cadagh and there was a thread about making them not long ago in this section.

I suspect that they are not made so much now because they are cut on the bias, and so take up quite a lot of cloth, and the abilities of the domestic knitting machine rose to be able to knit the multicolour technique called intarsia - knitting machines have been around for over 400 years.

The bias cutting makes a more elastic tube than cutting them on the straight grain of the cloth.

I suspect that the use of a zip fastener, the sort which opens completely would make it easier to shape them to the leg more closely, so if they had hung on until that was invented they might possibly be more of them around.

Knitted hosen have the advantage that they can be repaired, even entire new feet put onto them, so as well as being more frugal with the coloured yarn they last longer.

Anne the Pleater

[Alan H]

I made a pair. They're made on the bias, like Anne says. Aside from that, I improvised. They came out fine.

[Smayniac]

Originally Posted by Pleater

I suspect that the use of a zip fastener, the sort which opens completely would make it easier to shape them to the leg more closely, so if they had hung on until that was invented they might possibly be more of them around.
Anne the Pleater

If I did this, I'd either have to put a nice facing on the inside of the zip or be VERY careful doing them up, otherwise I'd lose hair, rather painfully I'd think.

Bob

[Pleater]

Ah - yes, it would be wise to have the zip fully concealed - I have put zips into costumes too often, I never thought of doing it any other way.

Metal zips can be dangerous if not fully covered - not just for their hair snagging but also heat conducting properties. I have seen a long and very painful burn produced by a heavy gauge metal zip just exposed to sunlight and a smaller but no less painful one from a cooking fire.

Nylon ones can be melted onto the skin, so care needs to be taken.

Anne the Pleater

[OC Richard]

I made a pair. I got the pattern from Sketchbook 76, which is full of patterns for Revolutionary War stuff, including hose.

They came out OK. You don't need a zipper. The cloth is cut on the bais and therefore is a bit stretchy, has a bit of give in it.

When you wear these you find out why they used garter ties!

[longhuntr74]

Being an 18th century reenactor, I am always doing research into clothing and make my own garments as well. I found this website to be an absolutely marvelous reference for pattern making, sewing techniques, etc. I couldn't believe how much I learned about the construction of a simple men's shirt made of all rectangles (which I've been making for years...but never had a reference for the traditional width of the body, sleeves, etc). I also used the coat instructions to make myself a new French and Indian (7 Years War for my European brothers) War period weskit. I had a previous coat pattern I had used...and was suprised at how ill-fitted it was when I remade a new one using these instructions....again...simply amazing to me. I hope any of you that share similar interests find this site as useful as I did. (also lots of historical paintings for reference here...haven't looked but I'd bet there's some kilt ones as well)

Marquise.de

As for the hose....here's the reference. I'm not sure if I'll ever try this pattern out...I may just continue to cheat, but we'll see!

Stocking Pattern

[Highlander31]

Originally Posted by longhuntr74

Being an 18th century reenactor, I am always doing research into clothing and make my own garments as well. I found this website to be an absolutely marvelous reference for pattern making, sewing techniques, etc.

Marquise.de

Great link. Thanks for posting it.