Ripping PV

**Moski** · 1st February 11, 08:38 AM

I just got the Art of Kiltmaking and barb directs that you rip the material. I'm purchasing Marton Mills PV for the project as it's just doable, wool is out of the budget for now. Can you rip PV in the same manner as wool or should i just cut it?

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 1st February 11, 09:44 AM

I rip it all the time.

you are likely to lose a good number of threads but since the thread density is so much greater you will not end up with a significantly increased "fringe"

Go ahead, just give yourself a good 4-6" cut to start with.

**sydnie7** · 1st February 11, 10:54 AM

I've only dealt with one piece of PV but found it beyond my capabilities to rip (have ripped wool any number of times). It also frays freely, as noted, and I'm going to use a "fray-check" product on the top edge before I sew any farther. If you're not familiar with that, it's a liquid in a squeeze bottle that basically "glues" the threads in place along a cut edge.

So, two posts, two differing opinions -- welcome to XMarks LOL !

**llyd** · 1st February 11, 11:12 AM

Don't know of you guys are literally ripping the fabric or ripping with scissors..but pv ought to rip ok by pushing scisors through.

**Paul Henry** · 1st February 11, 11:23 AM

When we talk about ripping tartan, we actually mean we cut about 4" or so into the edge with scissors, then take a good handful and RIP it , usually in mid air!, then we take a newer hand ful close to end of where we have ripped , and then RIP again. It's scary the first time, and it does take a bit of confidence, but it really is often the best way.
I've only use PV a few times, yes it rips ok, but I suspect I'd be tempted to cut it or scissor rip.

**llyd** · 1st February 11, 11:55 AM

Wow...never thought of that...i just rip with scissors...

**Kiltboy** · 1st February 11, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

... It's scary the first time, and it does take a bit of confidence, but it really is often the best way.

So true. Very scary the first time. But it is the easiest way to get a straight line/cut in wool. Plus it takes only seconds, and is really fun to do.

**Hothir Ethelnor** · 1st February 11, 01:49 PM

I have noted the PV from Fraser and Kirkbright (Canadian mill) does not rip well at all and had to be cut with scissors.

**Moski** · 1st February 11, 02:23 PM

Yeah, I've got the idea that cutting would be best, followed by scissor ripping. I want to
Follow her directions as closely as possible but I don't want to destroy the only fabric I can get for
A while.

**fluter** · 4th February 11, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by Hothir Ethelnor

I have noted the PV from Fraser and Kirkbright (Canadian mill) does not rip well at all and had to be cut with scissors.

I don't believe F&K does poly-viscose. There are other suppliers in Canada, of very very lightweight PV not comparable to the Marton Mills fabric. I have some for a skirt, but have not worked with it.