There are two types of hose, seamfree and fully fashioned.

Seamfree hose are produced on a cylinder machine with a fixed number of needles, this type of fixed needle machine is normally used for sock production. It produces a tubular hose and the calf muscle being accommodated by loosening the stitch size. It is suitable for juveniles and young ladies where the difference between ankle and calf circumference is not too great.
Mabel on seamfree machine

Fully fashioned are made on flatbed machines so that the number of stitches can be varied to allow for the shape of the leg. These are then sewn together and have a seam along the back of the leg. These are more suitable for men's hose since there is normally a large difference between the ankle and calf circumference requiring extra stitches to accommodate this difference. If a seamfree hose were to be stretched over this difference it would distort the diamonds and detract from the appearance.

Some tartans are best made in whole diamonds and others must be made with split diamonds.
There are also others which could be made either way. We will ensure whenever possible that this product is made to match your particular tartan,

We may ask you to supply some images of an existing kilt or post us a sample of the tartan that you would like this product to match.

This way we can get the best match to ensure that you are satisfied with the finished product.

As this product is a made to measure item we will ask you to read carefully our instruction and advice before you fill in the self measurement chart for, Made to Measure Tartan Hose