Steeking

[bman]

In talking to TheWizardofBc we got talking about steeking on modern/contemporary kilts. I was wondering if it makes a difference. I do trust Wizard's experience on the subject, I just would like others opinions.

Thanks

[xman]

Steeking adds significant time to the production of a traditional kilt (or any garment really) but is essential. I can't imagine getting the job done without it. Contemporary? Still.

[Paul Henry]

Steeking is very important, on a traditional woollen tartan it isessential to hold the pleats in line, stopping them drop and maintaing the "tartan line".On a modern style kilt where the fabric is more normally a more rigid one like canvas or drill, with many modern kiltmakers stitching the edges of the pleats as well, there is less fabric distortion than there is on wool. But I always steek whichever style of kilt I make,admitedly a little more thoroughly with a tradtional one. I think steeking on the inside so that it almost invisible is the way I prefer, although some makers do have a visible line of stitching through the layers which performs the same function.
But yes, steeking is important, and a sign of a well made kilt.

[ChattanCat]

I suppose that some of the casual kilts that do not cut out the pleats from the waist to the hips can use the top band sewing to do the same job as steeking. Traditional kilts absolutely require some type of support for the inside of the pleat to prevent drooping. Try this experiment: Take a piece of cloth, fold it in half, hold the upper corner and see if the pleat stays up. You hold position is the stitched down part of a pleat and the fold is the inside of the pleat. It wants to droop and even fold over depending on how much material you used for the fold.

Cheers and don't forget the steeking,

[Kiltboy]

I've added steeking to my first kilts (two SWKs) as an experiment, and for practice.

With steeking (and a proper re-pressing) each kilt hangs better than ever.