Number vs. size of pleats

[Pleater]

Do you actually HAVE to stitch the sides of the apron/under apron? It would restrict movement and part of the reason for the shaping (I thought) is to allow the aprons to swing forwards when worn, but still have the sides look vertical.

Its like the shaping in a column, which is curved out only in order to prevent it look as though it is curving in.

Besides, where would you put the pockets?

Anne the Pleater

[Barb T]

Do you actually HAVE to stitch the sides of the apron/under apron?

The apron and underapron edges are only stitched from the top of the kilt to the bottom of the fell, just like the pleats are stitched. The apron edge is not stitched below the bottom of the fell.

I guess that the easiest way I could explain it was that it was very difficult to try to ensure that all of the lines matched and connected from the overapron to the first pleat while still ensuring that the entire distance between the waistline and the fell stayed on the first pleat.

Just pin the dickens out of it. I do. That way, you can get it in the right place, stretching it a little, and stitch it down perfectly. Let me know if I still haven't answered your question.

Here's an even better example (although it's not a very good photo). The edge of the apron is not stitched below the point of the yellow arrow. The same is true of the pleats.

[TheKiltedCoder]

Just pin the dickens out of it. I do. That way, you can get it in the right place, stretching it a little, and stitch it down perfectly. Let me know if I still haven't answered your question.

Here's an even better example (although it's not a very good photo). The edge of the apron is not stitched below the point of the yellow arrow. The same is true of the pleats.

Hi, Barb,

I see the pictures now, and I see how everything needs to fit together (and where I was going wrong).

Thanks again for all your help!

Brian

[Barb T]

No problem! Post pics when you're done!

[TheKiltedCoder]

Basically, I had pretty much completely screwed up how I'd marked the overapron: I'd started the flair for the A-shaping too high (I'd also miscalculated the position of the fell). So, I yanked all of the basting, ironed the apron (with damp cloth between the iron and the apron), and remeasured and re-marked it.

Suddenly everything fits together much better than it had.

I'll try to post a few pics once I get a half a dozen pleats stitched.

I also decided to try one experiment: I made a feeler gauge out of a thin piece of plastic, and marked the pleat width at the hips and waist on the gauge. That way, I just have to pick up the gauge rather than trying to wrestle with a tape measure.

Thanks again to all for the ideas and help.

Brian