Help! It happened...

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

My kilt pin got caught climbing into my truck today and caused a rip in my new USAK semi-trad! Am I mad now that I did not immediately follow the advice on another thread to iron on a patch of heavy duty material to the back side of the apron where I wear the pin. Any ideas on how to repair this? It is a vertical rip about 1/4 - 1/2" long. I am thinking that the most invisible repair is to go ahead with the iron on patch on the back side of the apron, and make sure that the edges of the tear lay flat and get firmly attached to the iron on, but wanted to see if anybody else had a better idea. Dang, and only the second time I have worn this kilt (and the most expensive one in my inventory too!).

[Iolaus]

I got no advice, but ... damn! That sucks!

[millar]

I have no advice. Other than following Graham's idea and put the clan crest patch over the tear. Maybe Rocky could send you a USA patch. Like the ones that appear on his casual philabegs? Good luck.

[MACKAY]

Call or email Rocky, I'm sure you are not the first to have this happen. Between Rocky and Kelly I'm sure they have some great advice on repairs.

Brian Mackay

[GMan]

Oh man, sorry to hear that.

A well trained seamstress or tailor could probably reweave it, but that would be $$costly$$. Yes the patches may help.

[bubba]

Perhaps you could send Rocky a pic of the tear and he could send you a swatch of fabric that matches the area. You could use fabric glue to put that on the underside of the apron lined up to match the tartan to prevent further damage then find a patch you like and sew it on the outside.

[cavscout]

Considering the investment I'd find someone who could reweave such a small area. While it may not be cheap it is worth it to maintain the appearance. For now I'd find a decent patch to sew on and reinforce the rip until you find someone. If you opt to go straight to the iron on patch you will have a more difficult time fixing that later if you decide to repair it.

My condolences also.

I'll be picking up some iron on patches this weekend.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Thanks all! I am going to look closer when I get home tonight (maybe post a pic or 2 to show it), and decide what to do. For now, I took the kilt pin out after it happened and moved it up about 1/4" then put it back in so that the pin went in above the tear and came out below it. It covers it nicely, and since I don't think I would ever wear this kilt without a pin, I am leaning toward the iron on approach, but want to make sure as it would be difficult to do the correct repair after I go down that road.

And for all that chimed in, this was definitely a major bummer! I do plan on contacting Rocky to see is he has any ideas, but want to include a picture when I do.

[RockyR]

IF YOU IRON ON A PATCH to the back side of the material to lessen the appearance of the rip... TEST IT on the UNDERAPRON FIRST (us a small patch) to make sure the adhesive doesn't discolor the front of the kilt.

If you'd prefer Bubba's suggestion, we'd gladly send you a little scrap to help you out.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

IF YOU IRON ON A PATCH to the back side of the material to lessen the appearance of the rip... TEST IT on the UNDERAPRON FIRST (us a small patch) to make sure the adhesive doesn't discolor the front of the kilt.

If you'd prefer Bubba's suggestion, we'd gladly send you a little scrap to help you out.

Rocky,

THANKS! I would never have thought of that. I would have just ironed on a small patch and been done with it, imagine my additional horror if it had discolored the kilt!

I will get a pic or 2 tonight and then contact you about a small piece to put behind it. That sounds like the best approach.

RJI