Pleats coming unsewn

**beowulf67** · 29th October 09, 05:55 PM

OK, here are some pictures. I hope they help.

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 29th October 09, 07:16 PM

It looks to me like those threads are actually the tartan fabric from the unfinished edge of the pleat where it was cut off.

A bit of stitching to get your lining laying attached again and it should be as good as new.

(of course being a fairly new member and maker of *gasp* machine sewn kilts you should probably get a second opinion.)

**beloitpiper** · 29th October 09, 08:33 PM

My kilt from Scotweb is coming undone in the same place!!! It's even a (dress) Gordon tartan too! I'll be following this thread closely.

**sydnie7** · 29th October 09, 09:35 PM

Is anything loose on the outside of the kilt? If all looks OK on the outside, it may be the steeking stitches coming loose, from the looks of that pleat you are holding upright.

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 29th October 09, 09:54 PM

Good suggestion.

Question: Is it just loose material threads or can you tell if there are actual stitching lines (besides the lining) that have been pulled out?

**beowulf67** · 30th October 09, 07:03 AM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

Is anything loose on the outside of the kilt? If all looks OK on the outside, it may be the steeking stitches coming loose, from the looks of that pleat you are holding upright.

I haven't noticed it from the outside yet but then I haven't put it on since I noticed this. There are some black threads loose in there that don't show up well that may just be holding down the lining. I'm really not sure.

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

My kilt from Scotweb is coming undone in the same place!!! It's even a (dress) Gordon tartan too! I'll be following this thread closely.

No pun intended?

**fluter** · 30th October 09, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by beowulf67

I haven't noticed it from the outside yet but then I haven't put it on since I noticed this. There are some black threads loose in there that don't show up well that may just be holding down the lining.

They may also be the steeking stitches, that help to stabilize the pleats at the bottom of the cut-out. this is what your pix suggested to me. They might be done with heavy-duty black thread, loosely across the pleats below the cut-out areas.

Maybe you should invest in a copy of The Art of Kiltmaking. That would show you exactly how to do the steeking, if that's the issue. It's quite easy, and you know you want the book anyhow!

Barb's Web site, STM , Celtic Croft and probably other sponsors, all carry the book. Barb is super speedy on fulfillment, as long as she hasn't left the continent on a research trip. ;)

I just realized I wrote "steeking stitches" which is singularly infelicitous. Steek is Gaelic for stitch, you see---there is nothing terribly arcane about it.

**Tartan Hiker** · 30th October 09, 07:02 PM

As others have said, it definitely looks like your steeking has come undone. The steeking is an important element, supporting the top of the pleats where the cut-outs end. This needs to be repaired.

The ragged tartan edges are not a worry. They look like things are coming undone but all kilts look like this inside the lining where you can't see!

I'm sure that any competent seamstress or tailor could peek under the lining where the steeking is still intact, see what it should look like, then effect a satisfactory repair.