Tartan flashes: bias or straight?

[Dollander]

I'm planning to make matching flashes for my in-progress Murray of Tullibardine kilt, and I'd like the opinion of the rabble (well, those of you who don't actively dislike tartan flashes, at least ) as to which looks better:
biasorstraight.jpg

Pardon my primitive screencap stitching. I'm sure I don't have to remind everyone that only the bottom portion will be visible. But I suppose I should mention that the kilt will be RevK pleated to sett, so the straight pair would mimic the center rear where the pleats come together. And I will of course be more careful about the alignment when actually making them; I just use that template to get a general idea of how they'll look.

The thing is, I genuinely can't decide which I like more. I know the bias-cut will be a little more difficult, but I don't wanna go with the straight flashes simply out of laziness. So maybe it'll help me decide if a majority of you like one more than the other.

[Terry Searl]

I'm planning to make matching flashes for my in-progress Murray of Tullibardine kilt, and I'd like the opinion of the rabble (well, those of you who don't actively dislike tartan flashes, at least ) as to which looks better:
biasorstraight.jpg

Pardon my primitive screencap stitching. I'm sure I don't have to remind everyone that only the bottom portion will be visible. But I suppose I should mention that the kilt will be RevK pleated to sett, so the straight pair would mimic the center rear where the pleats come together. And I will of course be more careful about the alignment when actually making them; I just use that template to get a general idea of how they'll look.

The thing is, I genuinely can't decide which I like more. I know the bias-cut will be a little more difficult, but I don't wanna go with the straight flashes simply out of laziness. So maybe it'll help me decide if a majority of you like one more than the other.

I like the bias .....but I use full knit garter ties instead of flashes

[tokareva]

I think that I like the bias too...but since I got the fancy garter ties I doubt that I would return to the flashes.

[FossilHunter]

Not a huge fan of tartan flashes but I think the bias ones work much better. More contrast like in a waistcoat.

[Liam]

I actually am a fan of tartan flashes with many tartans.... the bias flashes look great!

[Nomad]

I agree with everyone else I think the bias flashes are much nicer.

[Tarheel]

I could just "aye" the other comments. But, for the record, I like the bias cut. Everyone else can just "aye" my post.

I like that the bias gives a contrast to the sett of the kilt even being the same material.

[kingandrew]

It seems we are strongly biased to the bias. Me, too.

Andrew

[Dollander]

Then that settles it. Bias it is.

Now to figure out how to do it. So far I've only made bias-cut flashes from PV, which unlike wool actually holds a temporary crease prior to pressing. But given the unconventional, improvised nature of my kiltmaking techniques, I'm sure I'll come up with something.

[Dollander]

Update: I tried Googling "bias-cut tartan flashes", in the hopes of finding suggestions on how to make them. But all that came up were regular tartan flashes, and bias-cut tartan skirts and waistcoats. Turns out bias-cut flashes aren't remotely common. In fact, it would seem there's only one company offering them, and from my personal experience of owning one, I'd consider flashes with a Sport Kilt not unlike getting a matching tie for your gym shorts.

Upon realizing I was on my own, I decided the best course of action was to cut a thin piece of basswood to 1.5" wide. Then I wrapped the fabric around it and pinned it in place before pressing it with the iron:
biaspinnedback.jpg biaspinnedfront.jpg
Please try your best to ignore the vinegar-water stains on my ironing board.

After that I slid the wood out and pressed it again, and of course did the same for the other three. Once they cooled, I proceeded with Barb Tewksbury's flashmaking technique using double-sided interfacing and iron-on hem tape. Apologies for not documenting this portion of the process, but once I get going, the last thing on my mind is stopping to take pictures (ADD goes both ways ). But I at least took a pic of the partially completed flashes, sitting on wax paper because the Fray Check on the ends is still drying:
partiallycomplete.jpg

So there you have it. Now to resume finishing the actual kilt with which I intend to wear them...