Probably, many of us have heard the word "footcloth" in conversations. Few people know what it is and why it is needed. And if you ask a person about how to wind footcloths, he is unlikely to give a reliable answer. That is why let's figure out what this "strange" item is and what its purpose is.
What is a footcloth?
A footcloth is a small piece of fabric made of durable and warm material. The item belongs to the category of underwear, used for wrapping legs. The functional characteristics of footcloths are the same as those of a sock, so they can be safely worn with any kind of shoes.
Pictures from the past: the appearance of footcloths and its purpose
The first footcloth appeared in the distant past, during the existence of the ancient Roman Empire. Its use was especially relevant during the period of hostilities. Not a single army could do without this element of military uniforms. A correctly wound piece of high-quality fabric saved from bad weather, protectedsoldier's legs from injuries, excessive sweating in the hot season. The knowledge of the Romans on how to wind footcloths was passed down from generation to generation, as a result of which the art of wrapping legs spread throughout the world and has come down to our times.
The inhabitants of Russia also knew about the properties of footcloths. "Homemade sock" became popular during the reign of Peter I. The desire of the king to always and in everything comply with European standards led to a slight modernization of the country and the army. The changes came after the ruler's trip to Holland, where the handicraft has long been used.
Years later, the king, again guided by the example of developed countries, tried to abolish the wearing of footcloths and put stockings into fashion. This idea is known as a bad experience in the world of clothing, and soon had to be abandoned. Hosiery socks were not practical and did not have the properties for which the footcloth was valued by representatives of the Russian army.
Since then, the footcloth has become an integral part of military attire and the subject of ridicule in folk jokes, a source of inspiration for writers and poets. We can say with confidence that famous literary works taught many people how to wind footcloths so that they last for a long time.
Modern practice of using footcloths
The science of how to wind a footcloth was also mastered in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Our soldier could be distinguished from other military personnel by the presence of a piece of fabric in his bootsrectangular shape.
Until 2007, a footcloth was a necessary and one of the important elements of army equipment in Ukraine. The country has abandoned the use of boots and a foot sock due to changes in military uniform standards set by NATO.
Russia is a little behind its neighbors in this matter. Warm and comfortable footcloths so "fell to the soul" of the Russian army that until 2010 there was no question of introducing new military clothing. But there is also a plus here - people who served in the rear of the army have something to tell about the features of uniforms, how to properly wear and wind footcloths. Not everyone can share such experience and knowledge!
In 2014, the army nevertheless passed the stage of modernization - ordinary socks and berets replaced footcloths and boots.
How to wrap footcloths?
The procedure for wrapping legs with a cloth, it would seem, is simple. You take a footcloth, wind it around your foot - and that's it, you're done! But not everything is as simple as it seems in reality. A violation in the sequence of wrapping the leg can lead to unwinding of the footcloth, and as a result, skin problems. How to wind footcloths correctly? The first thing to remember is that you should start winding from the foot and out, in two layers. A footcloth worn in this way will not stray when walking, rub your leg. The double thickness of the "sock" will protect the legs from getting wet and in severe frosts.
It should be noted that before winding the fabric, the legs must be thoroughly washedcold water, dry, cut nails (not too short).
Let's provide more detailed information on how to wrap footcloths. The instructions below will help a beginner in "tailoring" to cope with wrapping legs.
- Spread the fabric on a relatively flat surface, put your foot obliquely near the right edge of the product.
- Wrap a corner around the foot, wrap it under the sole.
- Wrap the long end of the fabric around the foot, move to the instep, correcting the formed folds.
- Having completely wrapped the lower part of the leg, we stretch the remaining fabric to the lower leg and wrap it around. Done!
Footcloths: how to wind (ways for the lazy and hardworking)
The first method of winding fabric is designed for lazy people and consists in following the sequence of these actions:
- put the unfolded fabric on the bell of the shaft;
- press with your toes and put your foot together with the product inside.
That's it!
As practice shows, the foot wrapped in this way does not rub when walking, and the footcloth lasts for several hours. Not very effective, but rather quick method of wrapping footcloths is popular in situations where you do not want to fiddle with the fabric for a long time due to lack of time.
The second way is for hardworking and neat individuals in everything, who are not indifferent to how to wind footcloths. The methodology for its implementation was described above, in the instructionsfor a beginner.”
Optimal footcloth size
Before winding footcloths, you should pay attention to the size of the fabric. The optimal parameters of rectangular footcloths are 35 and 90 cm. A smaller product does not completely wrap the leg, often falls apart.
Main benefits of footcloths
A person who wears a sock instead of a regular product will highlight the following advantages of it:
- Durability. Footcloths rarely tear, they last much longer than simple socks.
- Does not retain moisture, dries very quickly.
- Allows you to fit shoes of any size on your foot, hides the discrepancy between the length of the foot and shoes.
- Easy to make. A "footcloth sock" can be made from scrap materials in minutes.
- Keeps he althy skin and feet.
- Footcloth can reduce sweating of the feet.
- Protects feet from hypothermia, rubbing with hard shoes.
Footcloths have their drawbacks, but despite this, this adaptation of mankind to uncomfortable shoes is a salvation for tired feet. Everyone should master the art of winding footcloths. Would it come in handy? It is better to know and not use footcloth wrapping skills than not to know and be in a situation where it is needed.
