Picking out the pleat thread?

[646guy]

Not sure what the technical term is but you know that thread that holds down the pleats on a kilt when it's off the rack and being mailed to you? What's the most effective way that you've found to remove it safely without destroying or damaging the kilt. I thought I was doing a good job on the new solid black kilt I got until I saw where I trimmed a small part of the kilt in addition to the string. Nothing major or noticeable which is but I wanted to know what methods others have found to work in removing that pesky thread....

[Hamish]

Not sure what the technical term is but you know that thread that holds down the pleats on a kilt when it's off the rack and being mailed to you? What's the most effective way that you've found to remove it safely without destroying or damaging the kilt. I thought I was doing a good job on the new solid black kilt I got until I saw where I trimmed a small part of the kilt in addition to the string. Nothing major or noticeable which is but I wanted to know what methods others have found to work in removing that pesky thread....

That is the basting thread, Brian. There is no 'correct' way of dealing with them - I use fine-pointed nail scissors (or a dressmaker's thread-ripper when I can find it!!) and carefully snip the thread at about every third pleat, taking my time. These things should not be rushed. Having done that, the pieces of thread can easily be pulled out, pulling gently sideways NOT upwards. Beware though of any knots and make sure you do not try to pull those through the fabric.

If you snipped the fabric, I imagine you were in too much of a hurry to set those pleats free. "Take it nice and easy - every time". Boohm! Boohm!

[David Thornton]

I use a letter opener. No way to cut anything except the thread.

David

[Mr. Kilt]

I use a small pair of pointy scissors. Like Ham, I snip the thread about every 3rd pleat, then carefully pull the pieces out.

[Iolaus]

I use a small pair of pointy scissors. Like Ham, I snip the thread about every 3rd pleat, then carefully pull the pieces out.

That's my method as well.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

A seam ripper is the best way. It is small, pointed, and not prone to cutting anything other than what you are aiming at.

[646guy]

That is the basting thread, Brian. There is no 'correct' way of dealing with them - I use fine-pointed nail scissors (or a dressmaker's thread-ripper when I can find it!!) and carefully snip the thread at about every third pleat, taking my time. These things should not be rushed. Having done that, the pieces of thread can easily be pulled out, pulling gently sideways NOT upwards. Beware though of any knots and make sure you do not try to pull those through the fabric.

If you snipped the fabric, I imagine you were in too much of a hurry to set those pleats free. "Take it nice and easy - every time". Boohm! Boohm!

I actually used a pair of nail clippers to get rid of the basting thread and picked up some of the fabric as well. It puckered a bit but nothing overly major...Thanks for the tip and I'll remember that next time I get a kilt done that way.....