I have several all cotton kilts, but they all react differently so there is obviously an exta something to take into consideration - the spinning and weaving of the fibre I suspect.

Having tried to edge sew one kilt, it was not a sucess so I cannot recommend it.

I use starch when ironing cotton - I start off by ironing the lower edge and as far up the kilt as I can, on the reverse, first to remove the creases, then to dry off the starch spray - it is in an aerosol can.

When everything is ironed, I turn the kilt over and start to press the pleats. I use a piece of thick card, it was inside a bolt of fabric, to lay the pleat on, cover with a dry cloth and then press the edge. If necessary I then pin the pleats at the proper separation and press the lower part, hem to hip, then use the shaping at the narrow end of the ironing board to press the hip to waistband area.

As I normally wear a long tunic or liner I can sit on the various stools around the house and flip the kilt over the back to hang straight. I think that is a great help in keeping the pleats neat.

Anne the Pleater