Skill Level
Easy

Materials
1/1.1mm crochet hook (or size needed to obtain gauge)

• Sample stockings used a 1.1mm hook
• If you crochet with a looser tension, 1mm is recommended

At least 1 jumbo skein of Aunt Lydia number 10 crochet thread or yarn of equivalent yardage and weight (2730 yards/lace weight)
- See supplementary “Yardage” doc for additional details

2 lengths of .5”-1” woven elastic equivalent to your upper thigh (or relevant leg area) circumference minus .75” and color matched to your thread
- Ie: For a circumference of 20”, cut two, 19.25” lengths of elastic

Scissors

Thin darning needle or large sewing needle for weaving in ends

Regular sewing needle and thread for sewing the ends of the elastic together

Straight pins (optional)

Stitches and Abbreviations (US terms)

RS: right side
WS: wrong side
Beg: beginning
Rnd: round
Rep: repeat
Prev: previous
Ch: chain
Sp: space
Sk: skip
St: stitch
Sl St: slip stitch
Sc: single crochet
Dc: double crochet
Tr: treble crochet
V-st: V-stitch worked as follows (dc, ch1, dc)
Sc2tog: single crochet 2 stitches together

Instep Size
Size 1: Instep girth up to 21.5 cm

Size 2: Instep girth up to 23 cm

Size 3: Instep girth up to 24.5 cm

Size 4: Instep girth up to 26 cm

(Sizing for the stocking body is essentially infinite since it is made to measure)

Pattern Notes

This pattern uses both exact and made to measure (MTM) instructions. Exact instructions are used in the construction of the instep and heel division, after which MTM instructions are used to achieve the best possible fit for your specific leg shape. Once you have completed the leg of your stocking, exact instructions are used for the thigh band and elastic placement. Lastly, exact instructions are again used for the construction of the heel.

There are no charts in this pattern, all instructions are written round by round. Along with written instructions, photos are used for every step of the skull motif. Photos are also used for every disparate part of construction (instep/heel division, thigh band, heel, etc.)

Several parts of the pattern are worked together for all sizes. The pattern will direct you when and where to skip to the instructions pertaining to your size bracket.

The PDF includes clickable page numbers to allow easy collation of the pages pertaining to your size bracket.

Construction Notes
These stockings are worked from the instep, up, with an afterthought heel (either full or partial coverage), creating two, individual “thigh highs” secured around each thigh with elastic. They are not connected and do not cover the pelvis or hips. There is no foot or toe, either.

MTM Notes
The main extent of MTM shaping will involve adding chain stitches between your V-sts to increase the circumference of your stocking. You may also need to make adjustments when dividing the instep and heel and constructing the heel. Detailed notes are given for exactly where and how to implement MTM adjustments in these sections, as well.

4 iterations of the skull motif are used across the various sizes. All instructions for the skull motifs are exact, there are no MTM adjustments involved in their construction.

Additional Sizing and Mobility Notes

The four base sizes do not necessarily correspond to whether you are straight or plus sized, they only refer to the instep. You can be plus sized and fit the instep measurements for Size 1, and you can be straight sized and fit the instep measurements for Size 4. The actual straight and plus sizing elements come into play after you have constructed the instep and divided for the heel. The MTM instructions will guide you on exactly how to adjust the circumference of your stocking as you work in order to achieve the best fit for your leg.

For all sizes, this requires frequent try-ons as you work.

If you are more likely to be standing/walking, perform all try-ons while standing. If you have difficulty bending, however, you can substitute by laying on your back and trying the stocking on with your leg in the air and positioned so your muscles are flexed/tightened similar to how they would be while standing.

If you use a mobility aid such as a wheelchair, or are more likely to be sitting, perform all try-ons sitting/in the position you are most likely to be situated throughout the day/intended course of wear for the stockings. This will allow you to adjust the sizing to conform as accurately to your leg shape as possible.

Tight (ie: standing) musculature will create a thinner stocking around specific muscle groups. Loose (ie: sitting) musculature will create a wider stocking around specific muscle groups.

If you use a sock aid that inserts into the sock body to stretch it open around your foot, unfortunately these stockings will not work with your aid. If you make them in a more forgiving material, such as wool for elasticity, you may find some success with your aid, but again this has not been tested and cannot be promised. Use your best discretion as to whether or not this pattern is suited for your mobility needs.