through the 1920's.
Hand-cranked Circular Sock Machines (CSMs) produce socks and a range of other knit goods far more quickly than hand knitting. Heavily used during World War I (WWI) to make essential knitwear for soldiers, they were also later promoted as means to increase domestic income. Today the machines are enjoying a revival of interest. This collection of advertisements and news clippings, dating from about 1886-1920s and gathered from actual publications, will give you a sense of the social impact of these machines. Though some of the finer text will be difficult (or impossible!) to read on this printed fabric, the headlines alone speak volumes. The overall pattern was designed to fit a fat quarter measuring 21" wide x 18" tall.