During the First World War, the American Red Cross provided yarn and instructions to knitters all over the US, to encourage them to knit gloves, hats, vests, socks, etc, for the men in the military. This pattern was first published in the The Modern Priscilla, July 1917. Please post projects using the original pattern at Heelless Hospital Stockings: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heelless-hospita...

The first pattern, next to each picture, is as originally printed, word for sometimes confusing word. Below that, Holly Shaltz has updated the instructions to modern terminology.

These are straight ribbed socks in 2x2 rib, unlike the more common Heelless Sleeping Socks http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heelless-sleeping....

This Red Cross pattern calls for about 150 grams of knitting worsted. Stitch gauge is not crucial as they fit a wide variety of sizes.