OK. I can make knit yardgoods (5 knitting machines). What would
the stitches per inch be? Is there a decent pattern anywhere?
Hi Julie,
Kannik's Korner has a pattern for cut & sewn stockings.
What era are you aiming for? How fine can your machines knit?
I suspect they are the home type of flatbed machine. I have one
that's supposed to be fine gauge, but I have not yet gotten close to
the machine-wrought gauge of the 18th century. (18-20 stitches per
inch). Maybe if I started with wool and fulled it down, that might
help.
The modern latch-hook machines produce a stretchier fabric than
the bearded needle machines of the 18thC. I tried cranking the
tension up to the tightest, and it's still too stretchy.
The thing is, knit yardgoods at fine gauges are already
available at fabric stores. They are stretchier than antique
stockings, but they are out there.
If you can get a non-stretchy 18 stitches per inch, you could
make stocking pieces to shape. Knit a few rows, then hook the
starter edge back onto the hooks to form the welt. Knit some more,
then move the outer 2 or 3 stitches one hook to the inside to
decrease, knit a few rows and decrease, and etc.
It may take a bit of experimenting, and if you're near me I can
help and show you original stockings.
If anyone is interested in seeing my collection, or a slide
lecture, let me know. I'm in the Washington, DC area, but it all
packs up nicely for travel.
-Carol
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