Making poke sacks

[Company C, 9th KY]

Hello all! Im just getting into reenacting, Mill Springs is going to be my second event and Im interested in hand sewing my own poke sacks. My question is, what period material do I use and where can I find a pattern or measurements for them? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Pvt. Kirk

[Rob Weaver]

Use the same mattern you use for shirting, or anything else that happens to be natural fiber, i.e. linen or cotton. Fold at the bottom and stitch up the sides. Make lots of them because they're useful for stuff in your pack and haversack, and you'll always want 1 more than you have available!

[7thNJcoA]

what I did was found a few pards who grew out of thier shirts and were getting rid of them and snatched them up cut them and made the poke sacks I even used a guys shredded knapsack to make a few and a great tobacky pouch!

[Company C, 9th KY]

Thanks for the responses! I found out there's a fabric store near me and I bought cotton muslin material and thread to match. I have some twine for the drawstring. Now to measure out a few and start sewing!

Pvt. Kirk

[Rob]

http://www.142dpvi.org/kit_articles/poke_sackology.htm

[Company C, 9th KY]

Awesome! Thanks Rob, thats exactly what Ive been looking for! I tried searching for a link like that but didnt find anything, now Im going to bookmark it!

Thanks again!

Pvt. Kirk

[Silas]

I don't think there's any particular measurement which is more correct than any other. A poke bag I once carried was made from a section of an old pair of my osnaburg drawers.

Tackitt,
evil hardcore

[Company C, 9th KY]

I don't think there's any particular measurement which is more correct than any other. A poke bag I once carried was made from a section of an old pair of my osnaburg drawers.

Tackitt,
evil hardcore

From what Ive read, the thing that was said the most was they were of various sizes since they were hand made. So I figure I cant go wrong with a little of everything. Ive made three so far and each is a different size! :D

Pvt. Kirk

[Rob]

I've got a dozen or so of these, and no two are the same size or color.

Different sizes work for different items, and, being of different colors, I can instantly tell which contains what. Some examples: the one which I can get my whole hand into contains coffee and sugar, measured out by the handful. Another, which is roughly four inches square, holds about half a dozen sheet-iron crackers. A small one, about two inches wide and three long, holds a musket wrench, wiper, spare cone, and a handful of patches. And so on, and so on.

Experiment and find what works for you.

[Company C, 9th KY]

So far, Ive sewn 4 and like you said Rob, none are the same size. Thats ok though, I figure that back when they were originally made, they used whatever size pieces of material they had around. I kind of like the way they're coming out, although I think I might get some different colored material so, like you mentioned, I can tell whats what easier.

Pvt. Kirk

[flattop32355]

A poke bag I once carried was made from a section of an old pair of my osnaburg drawers.

The question must be asked: WHICH section from the drawers was used? :)

[BigDuke634]

The question must be asked: WHICH section from the drawers was used? :)
I don't think that really matters. Just remind me not to beg a piece of hardtack from him.

[Ephraim_Zook]

The question must be asked: WHICH section from the drawers was used? :)
A leg of course. The leg. Then you only need to sew the bottom and hem the top. Who makes the best used legs?

[Silas]

Who makes the best used legs?
Harlan Sanders.

While rummaging last weekend for my lost Gardner canteen, I chanced upon the drawers in question. I'd be happy to send you the seat of said drawers if you'd like, Bernie.

Tackitt,
evil hardcore

[flattop32355]

While rummaging last weekend for my lost Gardner canteen, I chanced upon the drawers in question. I'd be happy to send you the seat of said drawers if you'd like, Bernie.

Unfortunately, I am forced to decline your more than generous offer.
Momma didn't raise no dummies (contrary to some opinions).