Show off those Tartan Hose!

[svc40bt]

Thought I would throw this photo in as it shows the heel seam (running right below the yellow line).

[Malcolm MacWilliam]

I make a lot of 18th century hose, no elasticity, so it's bag hose. Actually it fits well with a good pattern. Take a good piece of wool tartan that you like (when we do Jacobite we do not match the hose to the kilt, since in Morier's famous painting of Jacobites at Culloden, there are 20 some tartans pictured among approx. 12 soldiers), the pattern is made from taking about 4 measurements on the leg and ankle, I have a paper pattern I use all the time, cut it out on the bias and sew it up the back. Attach the foot part, if you like, but doesn't have to be....just wear a pair of socks under. Works well and lots of choices for tartans. Our diced hose for 42nd and 77th regiments are made the same way. Hose ties or leather garters must be used to keep them up.

Malcolm