1847 Stockings for a Lady Knitting Pattern

These two stocking patterns are adapted from one of the first knitting patterns published in Godey's Lady's Book. Published knitting patterns from the mid-nineteenth century show little concern with gauge, finished size, balanced increases and decreases, or the accuracy of math. Perhaps publishers believed knitters without the wit and experience to understand their patterns were not to be trusted with sharp pointy sticks. For an adult-size version of the stocking, Susan Strawn adapted the Godey's pattern to fit adult feet.

Finished Size: 7¾ inches (19.7 cm) foot circumference and 8¼ inches (21.0 cm) long from back of heel to tip of toe

Yarn: Brown Sheep Nature Spun, 100% wool yarn, fingering weight, 310 yards (283.5m)/50 gram (1.8 oz) skein, 2 skeins of #200 Bordeaux;

Needles: Needles, set of double pointed, sizes 1 (2.25 mm) and 2 (2.75 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions: Marker; Tapestry needle

Gauge: 36 sts and 50 rnds = 4 inches (10.2 cm) in St st on larger needles

Originally Published: Knitting Traditions, Spring 2015.

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