I'm not talking the cartoon.

**Blake Roth** · 2nd February 12, 08:23 PM

As many hesitate to potentially ruin tartan by piercing it through repeatedly with their different kilt pins, I've been wondering:
I know some say one pin per Kilt, others use super-strong magnets, but has anyone thought of using grommets, similar to the ones flags have in the hoist or some double-prong belts have? Would grommets affect the dry-cleaning process?
It still puts holes in the fabric, but one could change the Kilt pin(s) out as often as wanted. The holes would, !hypothetically!, be under control afterall.
Any thoughts?

**Lyle1** · 2nd February 12, 08:35 PM

But then, if you did not wear a kilt pin, the grommets would look strange. I have not had a problem with kilt pins in wool kilts, The weave is loose enough to slip a pin through without braking a thread.

**Bugbear** · 2nd February 12, 08:36 PM

They are used on some contemporary, non-tartan kilts. I don't think I have heard of them being used on a tartan kilt.
I was planning on making a small cloth tube to sew on my canvas kilt that would look a little like a small belt loop; perhaps one could use tartan, and match it to the area of the apron. I wouldn't put gromets directly through the apron of a tartan kilt, though.

Hope that helps.

**Kilted Karl** · 2nd February 12, 08:37 PM

Dear Mr. Roth,

A very interesting idea. I am not an expert on anything with kilts yet but I would hesitate to put grommets on any piece of clothing. I think they ruin the look and smack of cheapness. (just my opinion... but partially influenced by historical outfits reproductions when they use grommets instead of doing the hand sewing)

I would suggest this

http://www.renaissancetailor.com/demos_eyeletholes.htm

if you are going to to anything of that sort. And it might really work. I would be interested in hearing how it works out if you end up doing it.

Your Obedient Servant,

Karl :ootd:

**Kilted Karl** · 2nd February 12, 08:40 PM

and more cheese Gromit!

Perhaps a bit of Gorgonzola.

**NeightRG** · 2nd February 12, 09:47 PM

I had this idea for my Sport Kilt once, looking at the vent holes on the sides of my Converse All Star shoes. Even bought the grommet kit. In the end, I just jammed my pin into the canvas - didn't care enough to install them. Maybe I'll install them as repairs if the holes in any kilts ever tear and run, but all my kilts are still going strong.

**gary meakin** · 3rd February 12, 04:44 AM

I thiink small button holes would work well.
Sewn in the right spot they would be almost invisible with no pin.

**madmacs** · 3rd February 12, 04:47 AM

Doesnt a grommit have to make a hole through rhe fabric anyway?

And if the pin is straight, wont it pull the fabric by twisting the grommits to get through them?

**Thomas H** · 3rd February 12, 04:50 AM

I like the idea and the idea of a small matching belt loop too .

If any one try's these ideas let us know how it turns out.

Has any one lost a kilt pin ?

**Tobus** · 3rd February 12, 05:29 AM

Originally Posted by Lyle1

I have not had a problem with kilt pins in wool kilts, The weave is loose enough to slip a pin through without braking a thread.

Agreed. I don't know how all these people are having issues with kilt pins. But it seems to come up every week or so, and everybody seems to be beating their heads against the wall in looking for a "solution" to a problem that really doesn't even exist.

Even with the largest of kilt pins (like my 4" military "blanket" pin that has a super-thick pin), there is no damage to the wool. You just have to work the pin through the weave instead of jamming it through there carelessly. And once you remove it, just work the fabric between your fingers for a couple of seconds, and the gap between the threads where the pin had been will close back up.

I could see this being an issue with a canvas kilt or other material that's not a loose twill weave. But kilt pins look strange on modern kilts anyway...