What kind of sewing kit did soldiers use?
Sewing Kit: This kit example from the First World War was called a “Housewife.” The typical sewing kit carried by Canadian soldiers included needles, thimble, buttons for Battle Dress and shirts, thread (both thin for badges and thick for darning socks, gloves, and other woolen items), and beeswax (to help waterproof the thread). The kit was made of khaki cloth with sewn-in pockets and was closed by rolling it up and securing it with two cloth ties.
The C-broad-arrow acceptance mark is a reminder that much personal kit was not replaced by later patterns. Older patterns were issued until old stocks were exhausted. It is likely First World War era housewives were issued in the Second World War, and beyond. In cases where outdated kit was not a danger to the soldier’s life, the older patterns remained on issue until worn out.
This is a personal ablution (the act of washing oneself) and uniform maintenance kit issued to Pte. Ken Langridge in 1937. LCol Langridge became the first Commanding Officer of the Winnipeg Service Battalion when it amalgamated in 1965. He was later HLCol and HCol of the unit from 1992 to 2009. Above washing kit/ sewing kit, below sewing kit. Second World War: The housewife design changed little during the first half of the 20th Century. Some sewing kits during the Second World War were actually produced by German prisoners living in Canada.