These stockings were inspired by a number of surviving Islamic stockings from the 11th to 13th century. There seem to be basically two styles of these stockings: one is predominantly blue and patterned all over in white, the other (this one) is predominantly white with several (often 5) bands of pattern in specific locations.

I tried to keep this pattern as close to the historical originals as I could: the things I changed are all noted in the article. The most important change is that these are knit on larger needles and with heavier yarn than the originals (these are about 8+1/2 stitches per inch, the historical ones range from 8 to 12).

These are knitted toe-up (like the originals) with a gap left for the heel. Later, stitches are picked up around the opening and the heel knitted in the round, like a toe. I made this heel a bit wider and deeper than the originals for a little extra ease in the foot. The pair has a “left” and a “right” because the “seam” where the rounds end and the pattern changes runs up the inside of the leg rather than up the back: the only difference between the two is in the round where the heel gap is created.

They are knee high and need to be worn with garters to hold them up.

The pattern in my Ravelry store has “value added” bits that were not in the magazine version: several additional charted patterns that can be substituted for the zigzag, and notes on the origins of a common “pseudo-calligraphy” motif often seen on knitted stockings from the Islamic world.