Stocking
Dateca. 1750
OriginEngland
MediumSilk knit.
DimensionsL: 24" top to heel; W: 5 3/4" top; 4 3/4" calf.
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1954-1051,1
DescriptionShaped frame-knitted stocking of dark green silk with contrasting clocks in cream color with crown and conventionalized flower above zig-zag stem on each side of cream colored triangular gussett.Construction History:
1. ca. 1750: Initial Construction
2. January 1958: Cleaning, checking, restoring by Ernest LoNano. Took out cotton toes and sewed together and knitted holes.
Label TextBoth stockings were knitted as flat pieces using stocking frames operated by male workmen. The foot or sole sections were knitted separately. The two pieces making up each stocking were then sewn together by female workers. Decorative areas at the ankles, called clocks, were either put in during the knitting process, as in these two examples, or embroidered after the stocking was taken off the frame.
The stocking frame was invented in 1589 by Englishman William Lee. Although professionally frame-knit stockings were available for purchase, many housewives knit their family’s stockings by hand using knitting needles.
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