First time kilt making

[Dutch piper]

Can anyone tell me why it is necessary to use a pressing ham when pressing the kilt? Can't the pressing be done just on the ironing board? And when I read Barb's book correctly, the stitched part of the pleats aren't pressed at all.
I'm not ready for pressing yet, I'm just aout to start basting the pleats. But I'd like to know before I get to the pressing part.

Greetz

I found a wonderfull stiff canvas I can use as an interfacing.

[Barb T]

the stitched part of the pleats aren't pressed at all.

Actually, you press the entire kilt, including the part of the pleats that is stitched.

[Dutch piper]

OK, the pressing is clear for me. thanks for your comments.
The next thing I'm not sure of is the cutting of the canvas.
In Barb's book it says:" cut two pieces of canvas of these dimensions, with the length parallel to the straight grain of the canvas".
Allas...my English is not sufficient enough, what does this mean?

I have a piece of canvas that is very bendable in one direction, in the other direction it's very stiff. How should I cut my piece?