Jacobite era kilt hose - knitted or sewn ?

[figheadair]

I have been thoroughly enjoying this thread.

The OP didn't mention social status of the wearers of the hose and, though perhaps a false assumption, I would think that knitting would be an incredibly commonplace skill whereas weaving would be more specialized and require more skill and equipment.

So with that thought in mind, it seems that those of higher status would have tartan cloth hose where the material was purchased and sewn to the wearer's measurements while those of lower status would have knitted hose because they would be cheaper and more readily available.

(As a general rule, when we look at portraits from the past they tend to be of people of means. So using them as an example for everyone can be problematic)

Carry on all!

Cheers

Jamie

I understand your reasoning but don't agree with your deduction. Using that logic, poorer people would have worn knitted clothes too.