How to knit WWI Army socks

[untonuggan]

During World War I (and I believe World War II as well) people at home were asked to knit socks for soldiers. I don't know all of the hows and whys because I still haven't started the knitting history book I checked out of the library.

However, I do know where you can find a book about it written in 1915. With instructions. So if you ever wanted to know how to knit socks for soldiers (which I assume would have to be sturdy), there is a guide out there for you. It is entitled How to knit socks: a manual for both amateur and expert knitters by Maud Churchill Nicoll, and if that alone doesn't make you want to view it for free I don't know what will.

As I have not knit socks myself, I don't know how good the guidelines are. (Full confession: I haven't read all of it either, as I'm working through library books first so I don't get fines). I'd be interested in hearing what other folks think of it.

crossposted to crafting_the_past 

Comments

[evilawyer]

I'll have to wait until I'm on broadband to get the whole thing to load, but that it one sturdy-looking heel! I shall have to give it a try at some point. History for and on the feet --- cool! Thanks for the link.

[untonuggan]

I actually have a few of them but I'm trying not to linkspam so I'm going to space some things out.

But yeah, this is what happens when a history major takes up knitting.

[jumpuphigh]

There is a knitting exhibition that, at one point, was travelling around the US. Part of it was knitting socks for soldiers. There was a display of knitted snake skins pinned to a board which was fantastic. However, my favorite part of it was the dress knitted from dollar bills. It was stunning. The socks for soldiers thing made me think of it. If you ever get the chance to go see the display, it is definitely worth your time.

ETA: Because I couldn't remember the title of the exhibit, I went searching for it. There is now a book based on it called, Radical Lace and Subversive Knitting.

[untonuggan]

Awesome! I will have to check that out...

[indeliblesasha]

Oh. So much LOVE. Thank you for sharing. I can't wait to try it.

[untonuggan]

You'll have to let me know how it turns out!

[frotz]

A historical note (I have not looked at the book or I will be late for work): people were definitely knitting for soldiers during the second world war, or at least someone in my family was. In high school, even, not just at home! I thought she'd said it was gloves, but maybe socks too? Now I'm curious; I'll go ask next time I see her.