This application will help you in preparing draft of XVIII century stockings pattern.
1. Choosing fabric
Stockings must be flexible to be wearable. To make them like this we will need elastic and historically correct fabric. In XVIII century stockings were made from knitted fabric. Currently knitted fabric is still available but it has very often addition of synthetic threads (elastan..?).
So, how to choose right fabric? Try to find knitted fabric with majority of natural threads (or fully natural IF it will be possible to find it). Weave should be fine to have smooth fabric. It is very important to really have knitted fabric, not woven. I tried woven fabric. It was not elastic enough.
2. Taking measurements
Fabric sample measurements
Cut 10cm x 10cm piece of fabric (that is initial width and length). Stretch it in your hands to the point where the fabric will be stratched as you wish it will be stretched on your leg. Measure size of stretched piece (that is final width and length). Now, stretch the piece to the maximal possible width. Measure it again (that is maximal width and length).Leg measurements
Measure your leg as shown on the picture. Put measurements into input below.
Stocking above the knee should be high enough to not fall down, but not as high as in modern stockings.
"m" circumference is circumference of the knee. "l" circumference is the place under knee where are bones. This is the place where garter should be tied. All vertical lengths should be measured in the front of leg.
