Kilt Hose - How much fold?

[Friday]

Piperdbh I had not considered of the stretch/shrink factor even though I am well aware of it. I'll add the 1/2 inch.

I like the idea of the contrast between k2p4 for the rib and k4p2 for the body. However, I am in the process of changing from Portuguese style of knitting to the continental and my tension is not what it should be. The second hose should be much better, but, right now the transition between knit and purl leave a lot to be desired.

[sydnie7]

[snip]. . .my tension is not what it should be. The second hose should be much better, but, right now the transition between knit and purl leave a lot to be desired.

I've fussed over that in my own knitting since day one (with no change in protocol to blame!). Recently this thread showed a very expensive pair of hand-knits and, wow, their ribbing looks a lot like mine! Now I'm trying to, well, not ignore the issue but not beat myself up about it so much. Anybody who gets that close to a man's kilt hose while they are being worn has more to answer for!

[JonathanB]

I'm confused. Surely it all depends on the length of the hose and the leg? I turn the hose over enough to ensure three fingers worth of leg is exposed beneath the knee. Ideally the garter should be placed to ensure that no more than half of it are visible. The depth of the turnover of the hose is dependent on those twa factors.

[Friday]

I'm confused. Surely it all depends on the length of the hose and the leg?

JonathanB I am knitting the hose so I control all factors. basically, foot length + lower leg + calf shaping + fold over + adjustment for loss of length caused by stretch = total length.

When you purchase hose the amount of fold is normally controlled by the loss of length caused by stretch and the hose being 2-3 fingers below the knee.

[TheOfficialBren]

For me it means about three inches, roughly, which is right about the standard few-fingers turnover traditionally seen. Just anough to cover my garter tie tops but not high enough to give me the dreaded windsock effect. It also puts them right at the taper of my calf.

Simon makes a very valid point, too. These are all guidelines and not laws.

I look forward to seeing your finished hose, mate! I am sure that they will look good.

[Friday]

I am going to be away from the forum for awhile. Since I will not be able to respond to questions I have asked that this thread be closed.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I would say it depends upon the type of hose and whether or not there is a pattern or design on the cuff. Certain patterns need a larger area to show themselves off to best effect, and so will require a larger cuff. Others won't.

Here are some examples of hose with different size cuffs all of which I think look just right for the given style.