Kilts and Such: Knitting Kilt Hose Garter Ties

Found a description of knit kilt hose garter ties in an old knitting book. After three sets of ties I have a usable pattern.


Mark I
Lion Brand Fishermen's worsted weight wool
Pair of US 5 - 3.75 mm needles

Long tail cast on eight stitches. Garter stitch until about 30 to 36 inches long or until they can go around your leg twice above the calf and below the knee. Finish with fringe of three strands of yarn at each end.

These were too wide and bulky but worked great. Didn't need to stretch them much to hold up the hose.

Mark I

Mark II
Cascade Yarns Cascade 220 worsted weight wool
Pair of US 4 - 3.5 mm needles

Same as above except cast on six stitches.

Better, but too stretchy.

Mark II

Mark III
Cascade Yarns Cascade 220® Heathers worsted weight wool
Pair of US 3 - 3.25 mm needles

Long tail cast on seven stitches. Knit seven first row. Slip one, knit six remaining rows until 36 inches long.

The slip stitch gives a smoother and tighter edge to the garter making it a little less stretchy. Works better than the first two by far.

Mark III

How to wear garter ties
To tie, wrap around kilt hose twice so that both ends are on the outside of your leg. Cross and tie with a simple knot. Take remaining ends and tuck up under garter around leg, pull through and drape over top of garter. See the following video for a demonstration using woven garter ties.