There is now the question of quality (in the sense of type of stocking preferred).

Each type of stocking produced has a place in some woman’s wardrobe, but there are personal preferences and idiosyncrasies—some cannot wear silk, not everyone will want to wear nylon, others rebel against rayon, and so, with the production of each stocking manufacturing medium, the scope is widened, and a knowledge of the fabrics and their characteristics is a contributory factor to more efficient selling.

SEAMLESS
These are graded into four types:-

The young miss, the slender woman, the average woman, the larger woman.

For the achievement of the four proportions, four different machines of varying diameter are used, as follows:-

 The young miss344 needle3¼" diameter
 The slender woman370    ''3½"    ''
 The average woman400    ''3¾"    ''
 The larger woman432    ''4"       ''

Each of the machines is equipped with cylinders which are cut to hold 51 needles within the space of 1½", this being identical with 51 gg. machines.

Although the leg size is determined by the number of needles used, it is possible for the heel area (the right-angled stitches of which actuate the ankle) to be graduated to accommodate varying sizes.

16

ANCILLARY OPERATIONS

FROM FLAT TO ROUND-FASHIONED

Two further operations are necessary in order to convert the stocking fabric from flat shape as manufactured, to tubular shape,


Fig. 50 Linking or looping
FIG. 50—Linking or Looping.

these operations being known as “Linking” (looping joining or turning-off) and “seaming”.

Linking. The edges of the heel and toe of the hose—each in two parts—require to be joined together. These two parts are the most