Need help with x-kilt apron deep pleat

[kilt2def]

I've been following along with the x-kilt directions (big props to AlanH!) and I'm to the point where I'm about ready to start bar-tacking at the fell. What I can't figure out is what I'm going to do with that big (13"!) pleat between the left edge of the outer apron and the first pleat.

Do I bar-tack the left edge of the outer apron to the first pleat? Will I sew down the edge of it to the underlying fabric like the other pleats? I've got to do something like that, but if there's anything specific about it in the instructions I missed it.

Hope I'm not overthinking this, but I'm trying to avoid seam-ripping It's been really fun so far, and coming along nicely. I will definitely post pics when I am through--hopefully the sunburn I'm currently sporting will be faded by then.

Thanks in advance.

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

I ran into the same problem and PMd AlanH-see my thread on the corduroy X-kilt for the solution.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=25353

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forum! I just realized you have already looked at the Corduroy X-kilt thread-the info you need is the bit where I had to rip out the velcro and sew it OVER the deep pleat. Then, when you anchor the waistband it will also add some strength.

Be well,

[kilt2def]

I just realized you have already looked at the Corduroy X-kilt thread-the info you need is the bit where I had to rip out the velcro and sew it OVER the deep pleat. Then, when you anchor the waistband it will also add some strength.

That particular part was instructive. I'm still puzzling over how the left side of the apron is attached to the fabric behind it, though--is it just stitched down like the rest of the fell-to-waist pleat portions?

Actually I think I found the part of Alan's instructions that addresses this--it's just confusing because it comes *after* the part about trying it on, but attaching the left edge of the apron (at least part of it) would be required for it to approach wearability.

I will forge ahead. Worst comes to worst, it's just a few more stitches

Thanks,
Bill (hmm, I need to make myself a .sig and get an avatar...)

[kd0afk]

I ran into the same problem and PMd AlanH-see my thread on the corduroy X-kilt for the solution.
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=25353

Oh, and by the way, welcome to the forum! I just realized you have already looked at the Corduroy X-kilt thread-the info you need is the bit where I had to rip out the velcro and sew it OVER the deep pleat. Then, when you anchor the waistband it will also add some strength.

Be well,

So, the deep pleat goes under the outer apron. What is all the business about opening up the deep pleat and folding it back 2.5" etc. Is there a second part to the process that you just skipped?
I am guessing that the underapron deep pleat will be treated about the same way.
I think my next one will have a square apron. I think it will be easier for a beginner. (I call myself a beginner not because I am a beginner at sewing but because I am a beginner at making kilts.)

Thanks a ton for the help on this and simplifying it.

[kd0afk]

Here is what I am guessing by reading all of the responses and the directions.


http://img217.imageshack.us/i/drawinge.jpg/

Am I even close?

[Pleater]

That looks right, yes.

But - if it doesn't look right on the fabric then you can let it hang free or secure it some other way.

I find that when I am sewing the top of the aprons I need to lift the inner edge of the under apron pleats very slightly to stop them rolling outwards.

It is only about 1/4 of an inch, so there is a very slender triangle of fabric held above the edge of the aprons, hidden within the waistband, but it makes all the difference to how the pleats hang.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[kd0afk]

That looks right, yes.

But - if it doesn't look right on the fabric then you can let it hang free or secure it some other way.

I find that when I am sewing the top of the aprons I need to lift the inner edge of the under apron pleats very slightly to stop them rolling outwards.

It is only about 1/4 of an inch, so there is a very slender triangle of fabric held above the edge of the aprons, hidden within the waistband, but it makes all the difference to how the pleats hang.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

Very good Anne, thanks.

[Alan H]

Personally, I sew down the top few inches of the far-left edge of the deep pleat, but I'd say try it.... if you don't like it, then rip the stitches out and let it just hang.

[Tartan Hiker]

I stitch mine down, too, alll the way to the fell line. I arrange for the edge of the deep pleat to fall right on the join between two of the other pleats, so I then can run a line of stitching between the pleats and catch the edge of the deep pleat without the threads showing at all.