Period Hose Material

[Jan van Nyenrode]

Hi all,

Currently I am working on some late 14th century split hose. I'm making it out of boiled wool. But after reading some sites I am in doubt. Is boiled wool period for hose in the late 14th century?

Thank you al in advance for your advice,

Cheers,

Max

[James B.]

Max

What do you mean by boiled wool? Some people use the term for heavily fulled jersey wool. Jersey wool is a knit and not period but it has its advantages.

Most if not all wool hose finds starring in the 14th century are a twill weave though I have to admit my most suspenseful pair were made of tabby weave. There is also one pair of hose (for men) from the early 16th century made of linen.

[Jan van Nyenrode]

Hi James,

After your post I took a closer look to the material. At first clance I thought it was woven wool which was then felted. But on closer examination it looks like it's knitted. So if I'm not mistaken that would make it jersey right? And thus incorrect?

Cheers,

Max

[James B.]

Jersey is a knit so if it is knitted then it is likely jersey.

It is the popular wool for hose; it does not rip as easy as twill or tabby woven wool.