Fringe or no fringe

**Dani Mac** · 8th November 12, 07:54 AM

I'm getting ready to make my first tartan kilt. (My previous ones were non-tartan fabric.) I haven't done fringe before and I'm debating if I should include it or skip it on these new ones. Because they are for family, I want them all to be the same. So I have to make a commitment with the first one. Rabble, you are such a knowledgeable and experienced group. What are your thoughts--fringe or no fringe.
Thanks!
Dani Mac

**Tam Piperson** · 8th November 12, 07:56 AM

Military kilts don't have a fringe, most civilian kilts do. I suppose it depends on the look you are trying to achieve.

**RockyR** · 8th November 12, 08:06 AM

With the full understanding that it serves no functional purpose, I still like it. It adds a bit of visual interest to the edge of the apron. It just looks 'right' to me.

**Chas** · 8th November 12, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

With the full understanding that it serves no functional purpose, I still like it. It adds a bit of visual interest to the edge of the apron. It just looks 'right' to me.

Totally agree. To my mind the kilt does not look finished without it.

Regards

Chas

**Jock Scot** · 8th November 12, 08:36 AM

Originally Posted by RockyR

With the full understanding that it serves no functional purpose, I still like it. It adds a bit of visual interest to the edge of the apron. It just looks 'right' to me.

I quite agree.

**Skiballa** · 8th November 12, 08:46 AM

It needs the fringe in my opinion as well, strange that the ragged edge contributes to the finished look of a kilt, but there it is.

**Domehead** · 8th November 12, 08:51 AM

I'd ask what style will you construct first? If box-pleated, I'd say no fringe. The MacDuff c.1800 from the Museum had no fringe. I'd like to see the Gordon Highlander c.1796, but I can't imagine it did either. If you are doing something more "contemporary" (relative, of course) then have at it.

**piperdbh** · 8th November 12, 09:27 AM

I'd say go ahead and add the fringe, and if you don't like it, you can rip out the stitches and take it off.

**Tobus** · 8th November 12, 10:10 AM

I agree with those who say a kilt looks 'right' with the fringe. Plus, I would think it would be easier to hide errors that way. If you just have a plain edge, you'd need to get a really straight line, whereas with the fringe it can be a little wavy. All you have to do is trim the fringe straight to hide it. But I'm not a kiltmaker, so that's pure conjecture on my part.

**sydnie7** · 8th November 12, 10:59 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I agree with those who say a kilt looks 'right' with the fringe. Plus, I would think it would be easier to hide errors that way. If you just have a plain edge, you'd need to get a really straight line, whereas with the fringe it can be a little wavy. All you have to do is trim the fringe straight to hide it. But I'm not a kiltmaker, so that's pure conjecture on my part.

Well, not really. . . it goes on the shaped edge of front apron. But it's not hard to do and I agree with all above who say it just adds that certain touch!