knitted garters

[Angel of Mercy]

Hi,
I want to knit some garters to wear with my socks so that they stay up. Can anyone help me out on measurements and colors and such? Thank you!

[Chara Kirkman]

Krystin,
The following is a pattern for knitted garters. It is taken from The Workwoman's Guide, 1840.

"These are chiefly worn by females, and are merely narrow strips of knitting, of three quarters of a yard long, and a nail, more or less, wide.
They are made of worsted, cotton, or soft wool, the latter is most elastic and pleasant.
For garters, set on from twelve to twenty, or even thirty stitches, according to the fineness of the material.
Knit backwards and forwards till of the proper length, when fasten off. Some persons prefer a loop at the end; for which purpose, when near the end, divide the stitches equally upon two pins, and knit each pin about ten ribs, after which connect them together by binding them in fastening off.
Garters are sometimes knit by putting the material, which is fine, twice round the pin at every stitch, letting the pin be very thick.
Garters are sometimes ribbed, at others knit, in a succession of squares of different patterns."

According to this pattern the garters are 27" (3/4 yard) long by 2 and 1/4" (1 nail) wide.

As far as color, choose whatever your preference. If you want them to be a more common person's item (store bought, woven elastic garters were available by this time, so a more upper class woman would probably just purchase them) you might want to go with more vegetable dyed (not aniline) colors.

Lastly, fair warning, these garters are very uncomfortable to wear, don't tie them too tight.

I hope this helps. :)

Chara Kirkman
Costume Curator/Designer
Black Creek Pioneer Village

[MrsArmstrong]

I have knit these straight ones, a great way to use up scrap wool. I used fingering and sport but nothing thicker. When I've worn mine, I have wrapped them twice around my leg then tie in a simple knot. This seems to have a little more "give" and "grip" in the wearing. Also knotting to the outside of your leg! Otherwise you feel knock-kneed.
Todays sock/stocking is just a staight tube and gravity wants to pull them down. One day I will knit me a pair of shaped stockings.
Susan Armstrong

[Chara Kirkman]

MrsArmstrong, You make a great point about the shaped stockings. They do stay up much better!


Chara Kirkman
Costume Curator/Designer
Black Creek Pioneer Village

[Angel of Mercy]

Dear Ladies,
Thank you all so very much! :) Now I hope that I can make these.