Stocking
Dateca. 1750
OriginEngland
MediumKnitted silk
DimensionsL (foot slightly stretched): 9"; OL (heel to top): 21"
Credit LineMuseum Purchase
Object number1975-182,1
DescriptionStocking, one of a pair, of carnation pink silk in stockinette stitch with fashioned calf, seamed up back, top tunnel hem, and fancy clocks in dark blue showing trailing floral vine with flowers, hearts, stars in symmetrical design. Frame knitted.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.
