17 Miles of French Knitting!

Ted Hannford’s story highlights the therapeutic benefits of knitting and the creative ways in which knitters can use their craft to make something truly unique. French knitting or spool knitting, as it is commonly known, is a technique that involves wrapping yarn around a small device with four nails on top, and repeatedly pulling the yarn through the loops to create a long chain of knitted fabric. The repetitive motion of French knitting can be very calming and meditative, making it a great activity for those who are looking for a way to relax and unwind.

The fact that Ted took up French knitting to use up his wife’s leftover yarn from making Fair Isle sweaters is a testament to the resourcefulness and creativity of knitters. Knitting can be a great way to repurpose old yarn and turn it into something new and beautiful. And while Ted’s 17-mile long piece of French knitting may be an extreme example, it serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that knitting has to offer.

The Australian knitter who is trying to break Ted’s record highlights the competitive aspect of knitting and the determination of knitters to push their skills to the limit. It’s a friendly competition that brings knitters from around the world together in their shared love of the craft.

In summary, the story of Ted Hannford’s 17-mile long piece of French knitting showcases the therapeutic benefits of knitting, the creativity and resourcefulness of knitters and the friendly competition that brings knitters from around the world together.

Ted Hannford, who presently holds the record for the longest bit of knitting.

There is something wonderfully nostalgic about a pair of handmade bed socks, isn’t there? They are practical, pretty, and just the sort of project that feels like it belongs beside a cup of tea, a good film, and a basket of wool that is pretending not to be overflowing.

This vintage Bed Socks knitting pattern is one of those sweet little patterns that still feels useful today. Originally from the Jaeger Hand-Knit Series No. 44, the design features a simple garter-stitch foot, a ribbed cuff, eyelet holes, a crochet chain tie, and little tassel-style pom-poms at the front. The original pattern even describes them as “a very acceptable present,” and honestly, I don’t think much has changed there.

These would make a lovely handmade gift for someone who is always cold, someone recovering or resting, or anyone who appreciates a bit of old-fashioned comfort. They would also be beautiful as a Mother’s Day gift, a winter birthday present, a Christmas stocking filler, or a “just because you deserve cozy feet” project.

The pattern itself is delightfully simple in construction. The socks are knitted flat, beginning at the lower edge, with the foot worked in garter stitch before moving into the ribbed upper section. The decorative eyelet row allows for a crochet chain cord to be threaded through, and the finishing tassels give the socks that charming vintage look. The top edge is finished with a row of double crochet, which adds a neat handmade touch.

The original measurements list the socks as approximately 10½ inches from the top to the lower edge of the heel, with a 9¾ inch foot length, and the pattern notes that the size can be adapted. As with many vintage knitting patterns, modern knitters will want to check gauge carefully and choose a soft yarn that feels comfortable against the skin. A cozy wool blend, soft acrylic, or washable yarn would all work depending on whether you are making these for everyday use or as a special gift.

I especially love that this pattern has that “giftable” quality without being a massive project. It is small enough to feel achievable, but still special enough that the finished pair looks thoughtful. And let’s be honest, handmade socks with pom-poms are always going to beat a last-minute candle from the supermarket.

The PDF version has been cleaned up and formatted for easier reading while keeping the original vintage design intact. It also includes a modern pink mockup image and the original vintage scan, so you get both the historical charm and a fresh idea of how the finished socks could look today.

If you enjoy vintage knitting patterns, cozy handmade gifts, or quick projects that feel useful rather than just decorative, this sweet little bed socks pattern is a lovely one to add to your collection.

You can find the Vintage Bed Socks Knitting Pattern PDF in the CraftGossip Etsy store.

For supplies, this is also a nice stash-friendly project. A soft yarn from Mary Maxim or Amazon would work well, and if you make pom-poms regularly, a small pom-pom maker is one of those inexpensive tools that saves a surprising amount of fiddling.

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