Military Box-Pleats: some questions for the rabble.

[M. A. C. Newsome]

I think I'm confused again! That's a "no," correct?

Not necessarily. The kilt in Kilted Cole's pic looks like it might have about 6 or 7 yards in it. What I don't do is any kind of 8 yard kilt. I will be more than happy to make a kilt, box pleated or knife pleated, from 6 yards or less of cloth.

[LitTrog]

Not necessarily. The kilt in Kilted Cole's pic looks like it might have about 6 or 7 yards in it. What I don't do is any kind of 8 yard kilt.

That's intriguing. Sorry if this has been asked/answered before, but why is that? Is 8 yards too far afield of the historical aspect you outline on your site? Also, (and I do not wish to reopen another can of worms) the pleating looks different. Is that just a function of the higher yardage?

[M. A. C. Newsome]

That's intriguing. Sorry if this has been asked/answered before, but why is that? Is 8 yards too far afield of the historical aspect you outline on your site? Also, (and I do not wish to reopen another can of worms) the pleating looks different. Is that just a function of the higher yardage?

When I started making kilts now over 8 years ago I was only interested in making four yard box pleated kilts, because at that time they were even harder to come by than they are now! Originally my intent was just to be able to make kilts for myself and my friends. However, when I decided to do it as a business I made the decision not to make the typical 8 yard knife pleated kilt style, as I had no intention of competing with all the fine kilt makers who already do such a good job making this. I wanted to offer something different.

Eventually I branched out and began offering Kingussie style pleating, and even knife pleated kilts made from lower yardages. But I try to keep what I offer in line with older nineteenth century styles; again, because there are so many other wonderful kiltmakers offering more contemporary styles of kilt and I have no desire to compete with them. This is my little niche and it keeps me busy enough, I feel no need to branch out! :-)

[Joe I]

For the first time I disagree with Matt on anything kilt.
I bought a Miltary (British Army) kilt in a size I cannot wear just to settle in my own mind how a MBP kilt is put togeather.
It is a Reverse Knife Pleat that has the edges folded over and sewn down and is ALWAYS showing the stripe!
"Box pleat" IS A MISNOMER! 6 to 8 yards of tartan goes into this kilt.
I also have a 4 yard BOX pleat that I made, They ARE TOTALLY DIFFERENT!
My 3rd kilt is a knife pleat PV in "Pride of Scotland" Tartan and I can see the similarities.
Sorry Matt.

[Joe I]

This is a quote from John Hart at Keltoi's site:

The Military Box-Pleated Kilt The term 'box-pleated' is really a misnomer here, as this is actually a knife-pleated kilt with the facing folded back. This intricate and rarely seen style is worn by some military regiments and not offered by many kilt makers. Like the Knife-Pleated Deluxe, it uses seven or more yards of fabric and has a large number of pleats (19-25). Military box-pleated kilts are pleated to the stripe.

http://www.gaelicclothing.com/boxple...ltmilitary.htm

[Riverkilt]

Thanks Joe - that's the most accurate description of what a military box pleat really is - and now I understand why my kiltmaker had to return to Keith Kilt School after graduation to learn how to properly sew up a military box pleat kilt by taking an extended course. She would be one of the few kiltmakers trained to do this work...and she does charge extra for all the extra craftsmanship involved.

[Joe I]

I've been studying this because I plan to make one of US Army tartan. So, I was confused at first, but not after studying the one I paid L.90 for plus L.35 shipping. If I make it right it'll be worth it.

[xman]

For the first time I disagree with Matt on anything kilt.

This is a quote from John Hart at Keltoi's site:

You say puh tay toe ...

[Joe I]

You say puh tay toe ...

I don't get it! What do you mean?

[OC Richard]

This intricate and rarely seen style is worn by some military regiments

I don't know about the "rarely seen" bit.

As I posted earlier, the majority of the five traditional kilted regiments of Scotland wore boxpleated kilts (The Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders, The Cameron Highlanders, The Seaforth Highlanders) and today all Scottish soldiers, in all battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, wear boxpleated kilts.