What would you do?

[Pleater]

This is advice from someone who uses a micrometer to measure the pleats when sewing a kilt - but I think that some of the pleats could do with the stripes centring.

You'll need to assess which side of the panel requires adjusting - or perhaps both might need to be done to get things right.

I correct edges by first pressing the crease out, starting at the lower edge and smoothing the fabric just a little further than it looks to be out of line, then measuring and pinning back from the edge so the pins don't get pressed, then I place the edge on a board - just a strip of the stuff from inside a bolt of fabric covered in cotton. That means that the edge is pressed in isolation.

I would not be concerned about the pleat with the seam as long as it lies right when worn - the seam will be more rigid than the unsewn fabric and so could easily make the pleat look awry when on a hanger.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[plaid preacher]

Almost every kilt will change shape a little over the years, indeed each of our bodies do as well, so any fitting that was perfect at teh time of buying, might not be 10 years down the line.

I agree with Paulhenry. Indeed that has been my experience. Can anyone tell me how I go about rebasting my body and pressing out a few wrinkles and lumps and bumps?

[Domehead]

I agree with Paulhenry. Indeed that has been my experience. Can anyone tell me how I go about rebasting my body and pressing out a few wrinkles and lumps and bumps?

Aye, and this is why I'm inclined to pursue re-pressing. At the risk of boorishness, I am still in very good shape - runner, martial artist, light-weight cross-fitter...so the kilt itself still fits very well. Hence my assumption that my treatment of it is what knocked it out-of-whack. However, all of you have been gracious with your opinions and I've learned three very specific things about 4YBP care I did'nae before.

That said, I have to teach this evening at the dojo. Upon my return, I will post an image of the kilt on and see if that changes anyone's mind. Understand, in no way am I trolling for anything. Simply, I ask in order to learn and I trust the collective wisdom of experience rather than the fantasy of paranoia.

Thanks again for everyone's input up to this point.

[seanachie]

I think you are worrying a little too much, but having said that, if it concerns you it's not a difficult thing to re=measure the pleats , baste and then press, but it will take some time. Almost every kilt will change shape a little over the years, indeed each of our bodies do as well, so any fitting that was perfect at teh time of buying, might not be 10 years down the line.

Some good thoughts here. I know when a kilt is brand new, just out of the packaging the slightest lint or crease seems to be a source of consternation. However, I would rather enjoy the comfort and pleasure of wearing my kilt while going about my business than stressing over every imperfection perceived or otherwise. It has taken me time to get into that mindset but I am getting better with it. Otherwise you spend too much time worrying.

[Domehead]

Here are the images:
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

[Nick the DSM]

Honestly, it looks great. Might not need to be repressed, it looks really straight to me.

[Jock Scot]

7 years of fairly constant use, you say. In that case, your kilt is a credit to its maker and its owner. Kilt on and worry not about the pleats.

[JSFMACLJR]

I think the kilt looks just fine! No need to worry.

[tundramanq]

Let's see what Anne has on this now that we see it on. Looks like the pleats start spreading right at the end of the sewdown and the darker underpleat area is highlighting the spread. With the knife pleats it is the reason having a high contrast stripe just under the next pleats edge isn't a great idea - it makes the slight spread stand out. Zero box pleat pressing experience here. It may want re-pressing or it may be a bit too snug. The edges look less sharp than new. The fabric gets restretched in wearing where it is sewn down, but not below. I really don't have a feel how repressing will effect the gaps and lay. I move my under pleats on my knife pleat kilts to get the lay I want with every thing laying flat and aligned when I am standing. This kind of looks like the years of rump pressing have moved some edges. Even a well toned rump spreads when you sit and if the pleats are the least bit snug underneath you this effect happens as pressed edge is battling against the fabric stretch.

The good side of my having to wear kilts so low is that the sewn down section is also extending below this widest hip area.

[Tobus]

The fit and hang look fine to me. The only thing that looks amiss is the lines not being centered in the box pleats. But again, I'm a tad AR sometimes, so what bothers me may not even be noticed by some people.