Inexpensive Tartan

[Tim B]

Holy cow this kilt making is addictive! I began my experimentation with making a kilt about a month ago (which brought me to this forum). I have since made 3 non-tartan kilts (using basic plaid paterns, from local Wal Mart). Most of the fabric that is available looks like miniature tartan - very small sett. I've looked all over for some fabric that has a larger sett and more "Tartan like", but no luck. As a matter of fact, tartan and/or plaid of any kind is fairly scarce.

Now I'm out of fabric, but I'm jonesing to make another. I'm still in my trial and error phase of kilt making so I'm not really ready for $15 per yard material. Can anyone point me in the right direction to purchase something a little more traditional at a discount price, or am I just out of luck? I am going to try my hand at an X-Kilt in plain fabric...but after that, what?

Tim

[Alan H]

Fraser and Kirkbright remnants page. They always have SOME-thing, and it's always at least pretty decent quality and often it's just wonderful stuff.

[Mac Ghille Sheathanaich]

http://stores.ebay.com/CLANTARTANPLAID

I have done business with him several times and he is a good man to work with. ships fast too.

The last piece I bought wasw like $150 incl. shipping from Scotland. four yards of double width kilt selvage genu-wine kilt cloth.

Fide et Fortitudine, aye!

Tim in Idaho

[Barb T]

I agree - this vendor has fab tartan. Just be sure that you look carefully at the weight before you order.

And, to be honest, "inexpensive tartan" is a bit of an oxymoron.....

[Mac Ghille Sheathanaich]

Greetings all, 2 December, 1235pmMST

I would like a link to 'Fraser & Kircudbright', if anyone has it. Canna seem tae fin' dt on me ain.

Fide et Fortitudine, aye!

T.

[The Wizard of BC]

Here you go;

http://www.wooltartan.com/tartans1.htm

As Barb said. Please check the weight of the fabric before placing an order.

For a decent Kilt you want at least 12oz. fabric with 13oz. being the standard for a med weight Kilt.

Gordon weaves with Australian Merino Wool so they feel lighter and thinner than equivalent Scottish Black-faced Wool. Having dealt with Gordon often (He is the weaver of the X Marks Tartan that we have used for runs 1, 2, 3, and 4) I would stay with the 13oz. and 16oz. fabrics.

[Alan H]

They have a load of weathered MacNaughton..........and it's all 10 ounce. *sigh*

[Pleater]

From other sources I know that in the US you can get some pretty cheap materials, - (and what you pay for fuel is enough to make me weep) - but you do need the right materials if you are going to get the right look.

I have made costumes in the past, and the effect of some garments, amongst them the kilt, is not right without some weight in the fabric and the correct stiffness or softness, the 'hand' so that it moves as it should.

Maybe use non tartans rather than the lesser fabrics?

I think I might be getting to be a bit of a cloth snob, but after all the effort in getting the pleats right, cheap still looks just that.

I have had hold of some of the real stuff, kilt lengths of real tartan woven in Scotland, for just about 60 pounds sterling each - and it is sooooo good.

I can't afford to make many kilts out of that quality, but now I look for at least some wool in the mix and a softish weave. They are out there, and worth the search.

Anne the (addicted) Pleater

[Mac Ghille Sheathanaich]

I have worked with all the weights in the past. The 16 oz seems to be a real b***h to get to stay in place long enough in just the right spot to get 'er stitched down. Guterman thread and lots of beeswax is the only way to go.

Hard to get to stay pleated too. Insofar as it is harder to press the pleats into it than the lighter weight fabrics. I put a damp ironing cloth over it and all the heat and steam my iron can muster.

Fide et Fortitudine, aye!

T.

[Daibhidh O'Baoighill]

Ebay is a great source for inexpensive wool and yes you can find actual tartan pretty cheap. The sellers usually don't know what they have, which is great for us frugal types!!

Cheers!
David