First Trad Kilt: an ongoing thread

[Barb T]

Hi Alan

Just a few things:

Did you pick the same center back stripe that you did for the front of the kilt? Traditional kilts typically have the same stripe centered front and back.

Having a really deep first pleat isn't actually the solution to the problem of the first pleat "kicking forward". In fact, having a really deep first pleat can add problems of its own, so don't overdo it. Ideally, the deep pleat should be around 5" deep. Keeping it from kicking forward is a combination of following the instructions about skewing the back of the tartan when shaping by pulling up on the back of the pleat when you baste it into shape and also making sure that you have enough flare from the hips down. The apron edges shouldn't be straight but should flare some. But, again, you can overdo it. My experience, with a waist/hip pleat differential of only 1/2" on each side (as you have) that 1 3/4" is actually too much. But, you can always baste it and try it on once it's pleated but before it's pressed to see if the apron edge wants to fold in a different place than you've basted.

Are you pleating to the stripe? If so, an even number of pleats is OK. But, if you're pleating to the sett, and you've chosen a center back stripe, you have to have an odd number of pleats.

Cheers!

Barb