the stabilizer inside a kilt

**Barb T** · 20th November 06, 07:36 AM

This came up in another post, and I thought I'd start a new one with just this as the subject instead of burying this at the end of a couple of pages of replies. Someone asked about stabilizers and how big they are and so on. I finally managed to remember to take a picture of a kilt with the stabilizer strip sewn in. I've also included a closeup so that you can see how the stitching is done. Although there is a lot of stitching on the strip to stabilize everything, all of the stitching has to be done so that none of it goes through to the outside of the kilt. So the stitches go through all of the layers except the very outside one.

Basically, this is a strip of non-stretchy fabric that is put in along the waistline and underneath the canvas. It keeps the waistline from stretching and from too much stress being put on the pleat stitching when a kilt is buckled tightly.

Just as an aside - I've mentioned in other posts "all that internal construction" that adds to the cost of a properly-made kilt and that makes it hold its shape forever. This is an example of that kind of thing. It never shows, but it's crucial.

Barb

**HeathBar** · 20th November 06, 07:51 AM

I'll throw in a pic of the stabilizer I used. It's not as patriotic as Barbs, but it worked. I used some leftover cotton muslin from another project.

**sav** · 20th November 06, 09:11 AM

Thanks for the clarification, Barb.

**JimB** · 20th November 06, 09:29 AM

Many thanks Barb!

**turpin** · 20th November 06, 01:11 PM

I wonder whose kilt that is..... Oh, that's right, now I remember.

**Barb T** · 20th November 06, 02:10 PM

Tee hee - yes, it's Turpin's quite fab kilt!

B

**Retro Red** · 20th November 06, 02:23 PM

Thanks, Barb, for "flagging" us down on the inner workings of the kilt!

I salute you!

.

**Kiltman** · 21st November 06, 05:30 PM

Thanks Barb for the pictures. Some illustrations like these might be worth including in you book.

**Bugbear** · 16th July 08, 04:09 AM

My wool, StillWater Weathered Lamont (1/2set) has a stabilizer now.
Thanks for all the information, Barb!

**parker_db** · 16th July 08, 05:22 AM

Thanks for this information Barb. I'm making a "test" kilt and am just about finished with the pleats. This will be a great supplement for the wonderful information in your book. thanks again for all the wealth of information you share with us folk.