How hard is it to knit Kilt hose

[thistlelass]

Knitting by campfire sounds delightful, however, for me it would be a bit scary...I need lots of light to knit and I sure would hate to have my yarn near a fire unless contained in some sort of knitting bag! Mostly it would be about not being able to see in such low light.

I think there are a few errors in John Anderson pattern but nothing that I ever wrote down, I just corrected as I knit. I am currently making another pair of kilt hose (my design) for Tommy to match his Aran sweater-both of yarn I have spun myself and also on the needles, but set aside waiting for a time when I have fewer interruptions, is a pair of the fabulous He Mo Leanan Kilt hose by Anne Gilmour! I'm knitting them in dark red 3 ply Merino. Lots of cabley pattern so they really show off men's legs to the best advantage and of course, look terrific with the kilt!

[sydnie7]

Kilt hose are not difficult (depending on the pattern): their most striking characteristic is that they are long. Go for it.

My first ever socks were the Toirneach hose. I, too, am fond of the tops. If you're a more accomplished knitter, you could try a more interesting leg than the simple rib.

This was my second pair, the top came from Gainford and the leg is similar to Toirneach.

Which of the Gainford cuffs is that? It's lovely, I just can't ID it from the few photos in the book.

Thanks!

[fluter]

Which of the Gainford cuffs is that?

It's the pine cone top: on page 24, and in the cover photos. There is an imbalance of increase/decrease stitches in round 8, to which I added a yarn-over between knit 5, knit 2 together.

- Ken (I'm also kilted-fluter on ravelry.com)

[sydnie7]

It's the pine cone top: on page 24, and in the cover photos. There is an imbalance of increase/decrease stitches in round 8, to which I added a yarn-over between knit 5, knit 2 together.

- Ken (I'm also kilted-fluter on ravelry.com)

Thanks for the ID and the inside scoop! If CalanaCrafts doesn't issue KAL2 pattern pretty quick, I'm going to cast on some new project, might just tackle these. We'll see.

[string]

I have knit a few pairs of kilt hose, so I suppose I will put my 2 cents in.

Kilt hose are not particularly difficult if you know how to do all your increases and decreases, including a short row heel. Also if you haven't cabled much you might one to try out one of the 5 bazillion cabled hat patterns out there to practice.

I knit kilt hose as follows.

Magic Cast on from knitty.com 16 stitches. This begins the toe and looks lovely.

k1, inc, knit 14, inc, k1, repeat. Continue to increase at the sides of the toe like this (the number in the center will get bigger of course) until you have enough stitches for the foot. I keep the toe and bottom of the sock in stockinette stitch as its more comfortable. Ribbing on the top of the sock is a nice option, but its personal preference. Knit to about 2"-1.5" from the end of the foot and do a short row heel. Lots of instructions out there on that heel so I won't even try here.

once the heel is complete I typically do ribbing all around with a narrow cable on the outside of the leg. I increase and decrease for the leg shaping at the back, where a old fashioned stocking would have a seam. Expect to count and measure constantly. once you get up to the turn over cuff knit about 2"=1.5" of 1x1 ribbing. That will help it stay up a bit. I then knit the cuff while attaching it to top of the stocking like a edging on a lace shawl is knit. This is heavily cabled and good luck with the gauge.


There is my 2 cents