“Don’ts for Sock Knitters”
from Red Cross WW I Patterns

Taken from a pattern issued to knitters by the Red Cross during World War I. Reprinted here largely for historical value, although most of these suggestions still have merit!

• Don’t cast on tightly. An otherwise well-knitted sock may become useless by a tight cord at the top. All knitting is better if rather loose. Casting on and binding off MUST be loose.
• Don’t knot your wool. Join the ends by splicing, or by knitting the ends double for 2 or 3 inches.
• Don’t make a heel with a seam on the sole. Remember a man may not have a chance to change his socks for many days, and a lump or knot brings a blister. If the blister breaks, blood poisoning may set in and result in the loss of a foot or even a life. We cannot afford to lose our men through negligence or ignorance.
• Don’t use black, dark or bright colors. Here again lies danger of blood poisoning. Use only light gray, natural or white wool.
  Ed. note: Note the change in color preference for today’s knitters!
• Don’t use needles too fine for the wool. The knitting should be elastic, if too tightly knitted the sock becomes hard and boardlike in use.
• Don’t make a foot less that 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 inches. Use rule to measure (not tape line).
• Don’t use pins in fastening pairs together.