Deeper Pleats or More?

[xman]

Let's say I'm making a solid coloured kilt from about 6 yards of wool. What would be better to have 18, 1" wide, 3" deep pleats or 24 3/4" wide, 2" deep pleats?

More shallower or fewer deeper, what say you?

X

[xman]

A wee explanation:

Responders are correct that there is little difference between 2 1/4" deep and 2 1/2" deep pleats, but I WAS WRONG to supply these numbers to you for consideration. The difference is closer to those offered in the post above. My bad.

As well, the former thread suffered I think from TMI (too much information) Syndrome what with all the descriptons of the pleating which is actually still undecided. I find all of my options to be quite attractive so aesthetics shouldn't be included in considerations at all. My bad again.

The simple question as it is put here is what I really need to hear your thoughtful responses on and would appreciate all replies. I apologise if I have hurt some feelings or stepped on toes. I am happy for the help, but again, I lead you astray in the other thread and was not getting the information I need. Please forgive my impertinence and participate in this new thread as you are able.

Sincerely,

X

[The Wizard of BC]

I have to say that I have not responded to this thread before because I do not really understand what it is you are asking.

You ask for advice on two options. In reality the two are not equal.

If you have pleats with 1" reveal (The visible part) and that are 3" deep, this would mean that the total "Sett" of your pleats would be 7". 18 of these pleats would require 126" of fabric.

If you have pleats with a 3/4" reveal that are 2" deep, this would mean that the total 'Sett" of your pleats would be 4 3/4". 24 of these pleats would require 114" of fabric.

In general the more fabric is in the Kilt the better. It will move better.



You also stated that you have 6 yards of fabric to play with. So lay out the aprons, the deep and reverse pleats and then measure how much you have left over for the pleats.

Let's say for example that the aprons use up 100". This would leave you with 116" for the pleats. Let's also say that the pleated area of your hips is 18" just as in your example.

If you make 18 - 1" reveal pleats, the depth would be a little less than 2 3/4".
If you make 24 - 3/4" reveal pleats, the depth would be a little more than 2".

Both use the exact same amount of fabric. (you did specify that the fabric was solid and not Tartan.)

The difference between the two is primarily aesthetic. Which looks better to you.

[Barb T]

The depth of pleats actually has much less to do with "swing" than the amount of tartan. My view is that, within reason, it probably doesn't make much difference to swing for a given length of tartan if you have more and shallower pleats or fewer deeper pleats.

So, as I said before, decide what look you like, and do that. Don't agonize about pleat depth.

Because, if you look at a whole bunch of kilts, they will look swell from the back. And walking. And you'd never know that some of them have 4" deep pleats, and some of them have 4 1/2" deep pleats, and some have 3" deep pleats.

As I said before, the way to get better swing is to make an 8 yard kilt. If you're making a 6 yard kilt for an average-size man, you pretty much have to accept that it won't swing like an 8-yarder, regardless of the depth of the pleats.

[xman]

Steve, Barb and all voters so far ... thanks a bunch.