Probably many of us have heard the word "footcloth" in our conversations. Few people know what it is and why it is needed. And if you ask a person about how to wind foot wraps, he is unlikely to give a reliable answer. That is why let's figure out what this "strange" object is and what is its purpose.
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 the legs. The functional characteristics of footcloths are the same as those of a sock, so they can be safely worn with any kind of footwear.
Pictures from the past: the appearance of the footcloth and its purpose
The first footcloth appeared in the distant past, during the existence of the ancient Roman Empire. Its use was especially important during the period of hostilities. Not a single army could do without this element of military uniforms. A properly wound piece of high-quality fabric saved from bad weather, protected the soldier's legs from injury, excessive sweating in the hot season. The knowledge of the Romans on how to wrap footcloths was passed down from generation to generation, as a result of which the art of wrapping the legs spread throughout the world and has survived to our times.
The inhabitants of Russia also knew about the properties of footcloths. The homemade sock became popular during the reign of Peter I. The Tsar's desire 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 tailor's work has long been used.
Years later, the king, again guided by the example of developed countries, tried to abolish the wearing of footcloths and introduce 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 possess 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 anecdotes, a source of inspiration for writers and poets. We can say with confidence that well-known literary works have taught many people how to wrap footcloths so that they serve 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 the rest of the military by the presence in his boots of a piece of rectangular fabric.
Until 2007, the footcloth was a necessary and one of the most important elements of army equipment in Ukraine. The country has abandoned the use of boots and tailor socks due to changes in military uniform standards set by NATO.
In 2014, the army nevertheless passed the stage of modernization - ordinary socks and ankle boots replaced footcloths and boots.
How to wind the footcloths?
The procedure for wrapping the legs with cloth, it would seem, is uncomplicated. You take the footcloth, wrap it around the foot - and you're done! But not everything is as simple as it really seems. Failure to follow the sequence of wrapping the leg can lead to unwinding of the footcloth, resulting in skin problems. How to wrap footcloths correctly? The first step is to remember that you should start winding from the foot and outward, in two layers. A footcloth put on in this way will not get lost 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 washed with cold water, wiped dry, and the nails must be trimmed (not too short).
We will provide more detailed information on how to wind the footcloths. The instructions below will help a beginner in tailoring to cope with leg wrapping.
- We spread the fabric on a relatively flat surface, place our foot obliquely near the right edge of the product.
- We wrap the foot with a corner, wrap it under the sole.
- We wrap the long end of the fabric around the foot, move up the hill, straightening the formed folds.
- Having completely wrapped the lower part of the leg, we stretch the remaining fabric up to the lower leg and wrap it. Ready!
Footcloths: how to reel (methods for the lazy and hardworking)
The first method of winding fabric is intended for lazy people and consists in observing the sequence of performing the following actions:
- we put the unfolded fabric on the bell of the bootleg;
- press with your toes and stick the leg together with the product inside.
That's all!
As practice shows, a leg wrapped in this way does not rub when walking, and the footcloth serves for several hours. Not a 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 method is for hardworking and neat individuals in everything who are not indifferent to how to wrap footcloths. The methodology for its implementation was described above, in the "instructions for a beginner."
Optimal footcloth size
Before winding the footcloths, you should pay attention to the size of the fabric. The optimal parameters of rectangular footcloths are 35 and 90 cm. The smaller product does not completely wrap the leg, it often falls apart.
The main advantages of footcloths
A person who wears a sock instead of a regular product will highlight the following benefits:
- Durability. Footcloths rarely break, last much longer than simple socks.
- Does not retain moisture, dries very quickly.
- Allows you to put shoes of any size on your foot, hides the discrepancy between the length of the foot and the shoe.
- Ease of manufacture. A “footwear sock” can be made from scrap materials in a matter of minutes.
- Keeps skin and feet healthy.
- The footcloth can reduce sweating of the feet.
- Protects feet from hypothermia, rubbing with hard shoes.
Footcloths also have their drawbacks, but despite this, this adaptation of mankind to uncomfortable shoes is a salvation for tired legs. Everyone should master the art of winding footcloths. What if it comes in handy? It is better to know and not use the skills of wrapping a footcloth than not to know and be in a situation when it is needed.
At the end of the first millennium, the Slavic and Finnish tribes began to use footcloths - special rectangular panels for wrapping legs. This element of clothing at that time was very effective, as a result of which it began to be used in the armies of many countries. In the Russian Armed Forces, footcloths were specially attached to high and heavy tarpaulin boots.
These shoes were very uncomfortable, and at the beginning of the service, every Russian recruit was interested in how to wind up foot wraps and how to get used to new shoes. This will be discussed in the article.
What is a footcloth?
A strip of fabric wound under a bast shoe, boot or onuch (traditional shoes of the Slavic tribes) was at that time an ideal analogue of a sock.
For different seasons, a person used different footcloths: in winter they wore flannel or woolen, and in summer they wore cotton or cloth. The size for all variants was the same: 350 x 900 mm. Today footcloths are long and short.
Where are the footcloths wound?
In the Old Russian language, the words "port" and "dressmaker" denote a piece of fabric, a piece of canvas for wrapping a leg. In this regard, in many countries the word "footcloth" is associated with Russia.
A feature of traditional military shoes is the problematic nature of wearing them with a toe: interacting with rough boot material, it quickly breaks. In addition, socks are able to get confused, crumple, rubbing the foot. With footcloths, army boots are much more comfortable to wear: if the boots are larger than the legs, this piece of fabric can fill the free space. This result can be achieved provided that there is theoretical knowledge of how to wrap footcloths. Those for whom they are an everyday thing do not see anything complicated in this process.
Benefits of footcloths
Compared to a sock, footcloths have the following advantages:
- They are easy to wash as they do not need to be in pairs and sizes as with socks. They dry quickly. Boiling and other types of washing can be applied to them.
- Footcloths are less susceptible to wear and tear.
- If the footcloths get wet, you can use its dry edge. According to reviews, even wet it is much better than a wet sock.
- The footcloth is easy to do on your own, if necessary. Any piece of fabric of the appropriate size will do for her.
- Footcloths keep warm well.
What are the disadvantages?
- Compared to a sock, a footcloth is much more difficult to put on.
- The shoe process is much longer. According to the rules established in the Soviet Army, soldiers were required to learn how to wind footcloths in twenty seconds.
- Carelessness during winding can cause chafing and severe irritation to the skin of the feet. To avoid this, you need to know how to properly wind the footcloths.
On the relevance of the question
A set of shoes, consisting of boots and footcloths, was previously used in the armies of many countries, but in the 20th century, almost all of them switched to a set of high-top boots and socks.
They abandoned footcloths in the armies: GDR (in 1968), Finland (in 1990), Ukraine (in 2004). In the Russian Armed Forces, footcloths were used for several centuries until the 2010s, when tarpaulin boots were replaced by ankle boots as the main soldier's shoes.
Nowadays, footcloths are already something outdated, and are almost never used. But those who have had to dry wet socks on a fire on a camping trip know that in some cases footcloths are a very necessary thing. It is not uncommon for soaked socks to become unusable during drying over a fire. A T-shirt or a T-shirt torn into two shreds can help out from a similar situation.
Tourists who have not served in the army often have to face the question: how to wind footcloths?
Instructions drawn up by specialists will allow you to cope with this easily and quickly.
Preparatory stage
- Inspect the legs. This will allow you to identify places where scuffs may appear.
- Wash your feet. It is advisable to use cold water for this.
- Wipe them dry.
- Trim toenails. In order to prevent the appearance of strong painful sensations when walking, it is undesirable to cut them very shortly, as this may entail their rotation into the flesh of the fingers.
Performance
The procedure is carried out in several stages:
- Before winding up the footcloths, spread the fabric on a clean and level surface. This is a condition for those who have no experience in winding footcloths. Whoever knows how to carry out this procedure on weight must straighten the matter and stretch it in his hands.
- Place your foot on the fabric in such a way that it is located at the right edge at a distance of 200 mm. At the same time, it is not recommended to touch the edges of the footcloth with your toes.
- Cover the leg with the formed small corner of matter. It is desirable that no folds are formed.
- Press the corner down with the sole. In order for the footcloth not to crumple there, you need to straighten it, pulling it slightly with your left hand.
- After the toes are covered, the edge of the footcloth should be smoothed
- The remaining large piece of cloth is used to wind the second layer. They need to cover the first layer without changing their hand. The second layer should be wrapped around the foot, sole and heel.
- The footcloth wraps around the lower leg with its free edge. This can be done by pulling it up the leg.
- You can adjust the tightness by pulling the footcloth over the edge.
- The remaining end of the footcloth after wrapping the leg with a second layer should cover the lower leg in its lower part. As a result, the front edge of the footcloth is covered and the heel is wrapped.
- Tie a footcloth so that it does not slip.
- Lower the leg over the footcloths.
- Shoe boots.
What are the nuances to consider?
- The footcloths should be tight. Otherwise, the appearance of painful blisters is ensured. Often in the army, in order to avoid heavy physical exercise, some soldiers deliberately wound footcloths loosely.
- If the winding is done inward, the footcloth may be knocked down when walking. Therefore, the winding procedure must be performed starting from the toe outward.
- If the footcloth is secured correctly, it will better retain heat and will not let moisture through. If your feet are very wet, it is recommended to use the dry end of the footcloth, which is wrapped around the foot. After a while, the damp side of the fabric will dry out and can be used as well. Thus, it is not necessary to change the footcloths when the feet get wet.
- Footcloths are not recommended to be sewn or overcast. The presence of unnecessary parts on the fabric can cause chafing and irritation of the skin of the legs.
- If the footcloth is frayed, you can use it by wrapping the other side around your leg.
- During winding, it is recommended to ensure that no coarse folds, creases and scars form, since they can rub the legs severely when walking.
- If footcloths are used in the summer, it is essential that each pair has an insole.
- If the shoes are too large, the footcloths may slip. They will stay in place if the fabric fits snugly against the tarpaulin boot. This can be achieved by choosing a larger piece of fabric under the footcloth.
Conclusion
Knowing how to properly wrap footcloths on your feet, and practical experience will help you avoid rubbing your feet when walking or running for a long time. At one time, this applied to both military personnel and civilians. Today, the ability to properly wrap footcloths is important for hunters, fishermen and some workers.
A footcloth is a piece of fabric for wrapping legs, underwear, a rectangular (approximately 35 cm by 90 cm) piece of warm and strong fabric, which was used in the old days instead of a sock. Footcloths were worn with bast shoes or boots. Currently, footcloths are widely used in the Russian army.
In order for the footcloth not to unwind when walking and running, it must be wound in a special way (tightly) around the leg. This should be done from the toe of the foot and always “outward”, not “inward”, so that when walking it does not get lost and does not rub the leg. A leg in a footcloth is actually wrapped in two layers of fabric, which retains heat better, and with short-term exposure to water, only the outer layer of the footcloth gets wet.
Footcloths are of 2 types: summer and winter. Summer footcloths are usually made of cloth or cotton (depending on the manufacturer), winter ones are made of bikes or fabrics with a composition of 50% cotton and 50% wool.
The fabric is not wrapped on the sides and is not sewn from separate pieces, so that the seams and scars do not chafe the leg.
A footcloth is in some cases better than a sock (especially in severe conditions).
Pros of footcloths:
It dries faster;
It is easier to make it out of handy pieces of cloth than to sew a sock;
It wears out less of the sock (because you can swap the more worn areas with the least worn out);
Enables oversized shoes to fit snugly on the foot.
When wearing boots, the footcloth helps to maintain the health of the skin of the foot.
Shortcomings of footcloths:
- it is even more difficult to put on than a sock;
- its size exceeds the size of socks;
- an inaccurately fitted footcloth can lead to abrasions and, with prolonged use, to serious skin irritation.
HOW TO WRAP THE PORTS CORRECTLY.
Before winding the footcloths, you need to perfectly examine the general condition of the legs and those parts of the foot that may be worn. Feet should be washed with cool water and wiped dry.
The toenails should be trimmed, but not very briefly, but only along the frontal edge and on the sides. Nails that are very briefly clipped can grow into the flesh of the fingers and get in the way, causing intense pain.
If your feet are very sweaty, you should wash them frequently with cool water and soap, at every comfortable ability. Over time, this discrepancy will disappear. The pores on the legs from the cool water narrow, and the observance of hygiene does not allow the pores to clog up with any dirt.
When wrapping the legs with footcloths, avoid the formation of folds and scars. When shoeing, it is especially necessary to wrap up the footcloths perfectly so that they cover the legs without coarse folds, like stockings.
In the summer, when wearing shoes for one pair of footcloths, you need to put an insole in the boot (shoe).
HOW TO WIND THE PORTRAITS.
Wrap the left leg.
The wrapping of the left leg is done similarly to the right one with a corresponding change of hands and the ends of the footcloth.
Wrap the right leg.
The footcloth is spread on some flat, unstained surface or, when wrapped on the weight, smoothly spreads and stretches by hand.
When wrapping the right leg, the foot is placed on a piece of footcloths closer to the right edge of it, retreating from this edge by about 20 cm, while so that the ends of the fingers do not slightly reach the front edge of the footcloth (reception 1).
The frontal drowned end of the footcloth is grasped with the right hand and wrapped with this end of the foot from above, straightening the folds; the corner itself is slipped under the sole from the inside and held in this position with the help of the free longish end of the porch, pulled by the other hand (method 2).
Carefully straightening the folds on the instep of the foot, also on the sole (why pull the edge of the footcloth behind the heel), with the longish end of the footcloth, in a full turn, wrap (changing hands) the back of the foot, sole and heel (method 3).
The free end of the footcloth, mainly its frontal edge, is pulled upward, along the lower leg (method 4).
Then the lower part of the lower leg is wrapped with the back of the footcloth, covering the front edge of the footcloth; with all this, the heel is tightly wrapped around the back and inside with the help of a fold on the inside of the lower leg (method 5).
Advantages of fleece footcloths:
Fleece dries perfectly and quickly, removes water and sweat from the feet, as a result of which the latter is more comfortable than wearing socks. Footcloths, even after 2 days of a saturated pawn, do not "smell" like socks. Legs look fresher after footcloths than from socks - there are no traces of abrasions, irritations, sweat wetness.
Fleece forgives the lack of experience in wrapping footcloths - insignificant folds and creases are practically not felt.
On the walk, if necessary, you can rewind the footcloth to the other side and your feet will be dry. The damp side on the lower leg dries quickly.
The fleece footcloth quite well takes up the free volume of the shoe, so the leg sits like a glove. Also, due to the property of the fleece, the footcloth does not have a “self-unwinding” effect.
Fleece is relatively cheap (about 100 rubles per meter) and it is not a problem to make a couple of sets of partyankas and carry them with you on a hike.
- With fairly loose shoes (for example, rubber boots), the footcloths still unwind. This problem can be solved by putting a narrow fixing sock over the footcloth.
Stick to the "statutory" dimensions (35X90 cm). Footcloths larger than 30-35 cm will be awkward to wind, and shorter than 90 cm - they will only reach the ankle, and you cannot fix it normally.
When making footcloths from fleece, keep in mind that the fleece fabric is elastic in one direction and stretches perfectly (this is great for tightening the leg tightly when winding), but it stretches poorly on the other side. Cut the footcloths so that the stretch is along it, not across it.
At the beginning of the last century, all Russian men from the lower social class were able to wind footcloths. Then this detail of the wardrobe remained only with the soldiers - footcloths replaced their socks for several decades. And every young man considered it a matter of honor to learn how to wrap footcloths before being called up for military service.
What are footcloths - history and features
The name of footcloths comes from the Old Russian words "port" and "footcloth", meaning a piece of fabric, a canvas for wrapping legs. According to historical facts, footcloths "came" to the Russian army from Finland, even during the reign of Emperor Peter I. And this innovation was not only a tribute to European fashion, but also a practical solution. Footcloths warmed the legs and protected from injuries.
In the everyday life of Russian men, footcloths came from the army, and not vice versa, as is commonly believed. In the first millennium, in fact, peasants used strips of fabric for wrapping feet, but they differed from footcloths in size, method of winding, and characteristics of the fabric.
Real footcloths are a rectangular piece of fabric measuring 35 * 90 cm made of cloth, cotton or the so-called "bikinis" with the addition of natural woolen thread. Correctly wound footcloth, unlike a sock, will not shift into the toe of the boot during walking, will not rub the leg, and will not cause discomfort. If the footcloth is made of the “right” material, it will eliminate the greenhouse effect, and the feet in military shoes will not sweat.
How to wrap footcloths correctly
At first glance, the process is simple, but only at first. Many recruits take a long time to learn the science of how to properly wrap footcloths and rub more than one corn before they master it. To prevent this from happening, military units conduct lessons, during which young people are taught the rules of winding footcloths on their feet:
- feet are thoroughly washed with cool water and dried,
- the panel is spread on a flat surface,
- the foot is placed obliquely next to the right edge of the footcloth,
- the foot is wrapped around the corner of the fabric, the edge of the footcloth is placed under the sole,
- with the long end of the footcloth, the leg is wrapped with a pull up,
- all the folds on the footcloth are diligently straightened,
- After the bottom of the leg is wrapped in a footcloth, the remaining fabric is wrapped tightly around the lower leg.
It is important to understand that there is no way "for the lazy", which is described on some Internet resources for future recruits. You should not risk your health and be guided by dubious lessons on the topic "How to wrap footcloths." There is a single effective standard that has been used for centuries to ensure that military boots will not harm your feet, even if worn all day without removing or changing footcloths.
A footcloth is most often a rectangular piece of fabric for wrapping a leg, an outdated analogue of socks for boots, bast shoes, and onuchi.
For different seasons, it is possible to use different footcloths: in winter - flannel or woolen, and in summer - cotton or woolen.
Sizes of footcloths
Some people think that footcloths measure 35x90 centimeters. But this is not the case. Over the years, there were different state norms for the manufacture of footcloths.
In 1978, summer footcloths made of harsh bleaching twill, article 4820, 4821.4827 were made according to TU 17-65-9010-78. The density of the fabric under such technical conditions was not less than 254-6 / 210-6, the tensile strength was not less than 39-4 / 88-8. The size of one half-pair is 35x90 cm.
In 1983, there were changes: for example, factories made summer footcloths according to TU 17 RSFSR 6.7739-83, according to which the size of the finished pair was 50x75 centimeters.
In 1990, the width of the footcloths decreased by 15 centimeters: from 50 to 35 centimeters, and the quality of the fabric deteriorated. For example, if you read TU 17-19-76-96-90 for winter woolen footcloths made of cloth tailor's art. 6947, 6940, 6902.6903, it turns out that their composition will be different: 87% wool, 13% nylon. The density of the fabric is not less than 94-3 / 93-5, the tensile strength is not less than 35-4 / 31-3, and the size of one half-pair is 35x75 centimeters.
Today, on some sites you can find ads for the sale of footcloths, where other sizes are indicated. As a rule, the authors propose to make their own footcloths of the required size, cutting them into two parts.
Footcloths made in the USSR are in special demand, since the fabric from which they are made differs in quality - the method of weaving the threads was then different, allowing the production of a denser material.
Advantages of footcloths
- They are easy to wash as they do not have to match pairs and sizes as with socks
- They dry quickly
- Boiling and other types of washing can be applied to them.
- Footcloths are less susceptible to wear
- If the footcloths get wet, you can use its dry edge
- The footcloth is easy to do on your own, if necessary. Any piece of fabric of the appropriate size will do for her.
- Footcloths keep warm well.
Disadvantages of footcloths
- Compared to a sock, a footcloth is much more difficult to put on.
- The shoe process is much longer. According to the rules established in the Soviet Army, soldiers were required to learn how to wind footcloths in twenty seconds.
- Carelessness during winding can cause chafing and severe irritation to the skin of the feet. To avoid this, you need to know how to properly wind the footcloths.
- It is impossible to wear outside the shoes as a sock, the footcloths are unwound and the foot remains bare;
Before winding up the footcloths, spread the fabric on a clean and level surface. This is a condition for those who have no experience in winding footcloths. Whoever knows how to carry out this procedure on weight must straighten the matter and stretch it in his hands.
There are several ways to wind footcloths. Below is the one that was used in the Soviet and then the Russian army.
Wrapping left leg performed similarly to the right one with a corresponding change of hands and the ends of the footcloth.
Here, just in case, both methods in one picture.
What are the nuances to consider when winding footcloths
- The footcloths should be tight. Otherwise, the appearance of painful blisters is ensured. Often in the army, in order to avoid heavy physical exercise, some soldiers deliberately wound footcloths loosely.
- If the winding is done inward, the footcloth may be knocked down when walking. Therefore, the winding procedure must be performed starting from the toe outward.
- If the footcloth is secured correctly, it will better retain heat and will not let moisture through. If your feet are very wet, it is recommended to use the dry end of the footcloth, which is wrapped around the foot. After a while, the damp side of the fabric will dry out and can be used as well. Thus, it is not necessary to change the footcloths when the feet get wet.
- Footcloths are not recommended to be sewn or overcast. The presence of unnecessary parts on the fabric can cause chafing and irritation of the skin of the legs.
- If the footcloth is frayed, you can use it by wrapping the other side around your leg.
- During winding, it is recommended to ensure that no coarse folds, creases and scars form, since they can rub the legs severely when walking.
- If footcloths are used in the summer, it is essential that each pair has an insole. If the shoes are too large, the footcloths may slip. They will stay in place if the fabric fits snugly against the tarpaulin boot. This can be achieved by choosing a larger piece of fabric under the footcloth.
Footcloths in the German army of the 40s (Finnish-German version of winding footcloths into boots)
During the Great Patriotic War, the footcloth became an integral part of the uniforms of Soviet soldiers. And although today statements are often found on forums that the footcloth is a purely Russian invention, and the Germans wore woolen socks, this is not true. The Germans wore footcloths, woolen or flannel. Moreover, if you look at the list of uniforms for German soldiers, it turns out that along with suspenders (nosenträger), sports T-shirts with stripes (Wehrmacht eagle or police eagle, sporthemd), black satin shorts (unterhose), statutory socks (strumpfen) and other uniforms, footcloths (fußlappen) are in 13th place.
The main distinguishing feature of the German footcloths was that they had the shape of a square (40 x 40 cm), in contrast to the rectangular Russian footcloths.
The Germans even issued a special instruction form: "How to wear footcloths", which said that the footcloth should not have any seams, they must be made of woolen or cotton flannel.
Footcloths were, by the way, very popular among the German infantrymen, who called footcloths “rag's foot”, “Indian's foot”.
This form was used to instruct recruits in the ability to do the correct foot wrapping. If done incorrectly, it can lead to “general discomfort or pinching of the leg,” the instructions say. Many people say that the windings were most often used by old soldiers who went through the First World War. But the young soldiers used them the same way. Although some of them lacked patience.
