This version:

AGSAS Soldiers Sock Pattern

Atlantic Guard Soldiers’ Aid Society

“Directions for Knitting Socks” from the United States Sanitary Commission Bulletin, Volume I, Number 31, February 1, 1865, p. 963

Modern Interpretation For Experienced Knitters
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Four versions of the same pattern are on the site:

• one in the original 19th century terms
• a modern interpretation for experienced sock knitters (this pattern)
• an intermediate version of the same pattern with more explanation of terms and techniques, and
• a beginner’s version in worsted weight yarn. This is not a period pattern as there is no evidence that socks were ever knit in worsted weight in the 19th century.

For notes on the differences among the versions, see Knitting the 1865 U.S. Sanitary Commission Sock.

This is a modern interpretation of the sock originally published in the United States Sanitary Commission Bulletin, Volume I, Number 31, February 1, 1865.

A version of this pattern, called the 1865 Union Army Sock, was published in Piecework and Knitting America.

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This pattern may be found in the book Knitting America by Susan M. Strawn, published by Voyager Press in 2007 on pages 42-43.

Pattern description from Knitting America: “This pattern comes from ‘Directions for Knitting Socks’ in the United States Sanitary Commission Bulletin, Volume I, Number 31 of February 1, 1865. This modern interpretation for experienced knitters is by Karin Timour, who has conducted extensive research on materials and methods for knitting Civil War socks. Copyright 2007 by Karin Timour.”

Measurements:

• Small (10 inch foot, up to 13” leg circumference)
• Medium (11” foot, up to 14” leg circumference)
• Large (12” foot, up to 15” leg circumference)

Yarn: “5 ounces 3/8 Jagger Spun yarn (1490 yards per pound). Contrasting heels and toes: 3 ounces of contrast color.”

Needles: “Use a set of five American size 1 needles (2.25mm) or size to make gauge. if you prefer to knit with four double point needles, one circular or two circulars, adjust these instructions accordingly.”

Piecework Magazine has also published this pattern in its March/April 2009 issue, pages 27-29. The original text of the historical pattern is given, as well as the modern instructions.

This sock is based on the 1865 U.S. Sanitary Commission Sock pattern.