Hose-Knitting Rookie Looking For Advise For First Project

[PiperChick]

I'm very interested in learning to knit my own hose. I've knit socks before, including in a fingering weight yarn, but have not attempted hose as of yet. I also have some experience with cabling and lace patterns, though I wouldn't consider myself expert at either. It sounds like there might be a few experts here, and I'd love to pick your brains so that I can learn.

A few years back, I took a look at a friend's copy of "Designs for Knitting Kilt Hose and Knickerbocker Stockings" by Virginia Gainford and found it very intimidating, to say the least. I've since looked at the Toirneach Kilt Hose Pattern on Knitty.com. A few things concern me. One, they're made of a worsted weight, I believe, which does not sound comfy. I'm a piper, and generally need to be on my feet for a good while in a pair of hose (therefore, washable would also be nice). Two, I'm concerned about getting the fit right. I have larger calves, and would likely need to adjust any pattern I attempt. I haven't done this much.

I read on another thread that someone had made knitted tops for hose and attached them to a purchased hose or sock. Has anyone attempted this here? This seems like a manageable project. Are there patterns for this kind of thing somewhere?

For those of you experienced in this, what would you consider an attainable first project? What advise would you offer? Anybody willing to take a Padewan under their wing? I have a brand new USAK Douglas Grey kilt that just needs a beautiful hand knit pair of charcoal grey hose.

[sydnie7]

The Gainford book is indeed not a pattern book, more an idea source!

Have a look at Diane's Toe-Up Kilt Hose Calculator. While I haven't used it personally, it might be the thing for your "fit issue." It's also available on Ravelry and there may be reviews of it available.

I've made the Toirneach both top-down and adapted it to toe-up, with various cuffs from Gainford. You're right about worsted, tho, and I've since moved on to smaller yarns on smaller needles. I just get gauge, figure out the stitch count from Bob's measurements, and plow ahead -- but I prefer a plain hose with fancier cuffs, which is probably not your piper style.

I don't know where you would get hose without a cuff, to attach your own-mades. Matt Newsome's wife Joanie does them to order IIRC but I'm guessing they order the legs in quantities that wouldn't work for personal needs.

Not many answers here but welcome to the addiction! There's a kilt hose group at Rav, come on over if you haven't already!

[PiperChick]

Thanks, Syndie. I actually like the fancier top with the plain bottom, and I do like the appearance of the Toirneach pattern - just not sure I want worsted weight. The pattern in general looks like one that I could probably manage, though. I'll take a look at the links you sent. Is there a pattern that you would suggest that isn't incredibly complex, in a lighter weight yarn?

I'm glad to see there's a kilt hose group. Thanks so much for the suggestion!

[Pleater]

I've been knitting hose for some time now - about 50 years, on and off, though only recently made the change to toe up working, which is the easiest method for trying on as you go and working without a set pattern.

If you break down the making of the hose into sections it is not so daunting, but you need to know the shape and size you need to create - my feet do not require a size change between the ball of the foot and the ankle for instance, but many people need widening at the sides. A tape measure and note book are invaluable when planning a pattern.

Socks of all kinds are usually knitted on smaller needles than if the same yarn is being used for a sweater, and that makes them more comfortable as the surface is less ridged. The sole can be knitted with the purl side out, for greater comfort, but thick yarn can be uncomfortable for footwear simply by it taking up so much space in the shoe that the foot is squashed.

Charcoal grey hose, being so dark will possibly not repay the work required to make - for instance, an elaborate cable pattern as it will not show up very well. Something with panels of plain and rib on the leg might be just as effective, then K1P1 at the top and a cuff of 'pips' aka seed stitch I think. That would not be too daunting as a first attempt - there would be no turning around at the top to make the fold down as the pips are the same both sides.

You could use that pair as a base for more elaborate work in a lighter shade of grey - perhaps with a mixture of cable and lace work as that would show it off well.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: