Her War

Interpreting Women's Lives during the American Civil War

Winter Clothes: Wool Stockings

The next addition to the winter clothes is wool stockings. I realized at Remembrance Day that my cotton stockings were not enough. I found some wonderful wool knit at Needle and Thread in Gettysburg. It is very much like cotton jersey or t-shirt material, but of wool and a little heavier weight. I was hoping to find some wild color or pattern but settled on grey.

I may go back and get black if there is any left. The fabric I chose does have a slight “furry” side which I wanted on the inside of the stocking, like with the flannel drawers.

I used the Kannick’s Korner stocking pattern.  While not identified for the 1860’s specifically, the pattern is close enough to stockings of the 1860’s. Carolann Schmitt helped me with the fitting to get a nice fit.

There are two pieces to the pattern, the leg and upper, and the sole.

While there is a gusset, the stockings are not too difficult to make. True to form, however, I made a mistake and cut the leg piece with the grain rather than across. They do not stretch around my calf the way they should but fit well none the less.

The first step is to sew the back seam of the leg. I used a back stitch on all the seams to ensure they were tight with no gaps. This seam in the back also creates the heal.

Once the back seam is stitched the seam allowance is cut to a quarter inch and then overcast.

The sole is attached with the same stitch, allowance trimming and overcasting. 

A hem is then sewn at the top and the stockings are completed. 

They are fitted close to the leg and the fabric is very soft. I think they will be wonderfully warm in the cold north.

Categories: Civil War