"Long time listener, first time caller..." so-to-speak

**EvaUnit37** · 3rd August 17, 06:08 PM

Hello fellow Scotts and kilted ones! This is my first post as my title alludes.

Question regarding the belted plaid: I read in one of Matt Newsome's articles that there is evidence of a cord that was attached on the inside or outside of the plaid which the wearer pulls and ties around his waist - which creates the pleats vs. Having to lay it out on the ground (the "traditional" method if you will). Anyone know how these loops/cord is actually attached?

I would like to try this out.

**Father Bill** · 4th August 17, 04:16 AM

No notion about the cord, but welcome to the "Great Rabble"!

**Jock Scot** · 4th August 17, 04:43 AM

Welcome, from Inverness-shire. I am afraid I cannot help you with your question, as I have no idea of an answer.

**LKM** · 4th August 17, 07:42 AM

Welcome from Colorado. I also read the forum for a while before I joined.

As for the chord loops added to a belted plaid, I have seen it once and hope someone with more knowledge on the subject answers your question. Below is what I could find on the subject.

http://albannachbar.weebly.com/blog/...aid-great-kilt
https://albanach.org/did-the-early-b...g-42e8b7429ce9
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...wstring-66491/

**Tarheel** · 4th August 17, 04:22 PM

The XMark thread LKM identified used to have photos (current problems with Photobucket block those) that showed loops similar to the loops on the outside of kilts for sporran straps.

The drawstrings, rope or belt passed through to keep the pleats in check while the top section of the fabric could be thrown over the shoulder, folded under, etc. With the loops inside the fabric (next to the skin) one could wear a different belt for gear (swords for example) externally and remove the outer belt and gear without the risk of one's kilt dropping to the ground.

I hope this assists in your answer. I do not own or wear a great kilt but admire those that do.

**Tomak** · 4th August 17, 05:26 PM

Hello and welcome from Southern California.

**Pleater** · 5th August 17, 06:24 AM

When I tried this I sewed a tape to the fabric at intervals, sewing down a fold of the tape about 1/4 of an inch deep sewing two layers of tape not three. I did match the placing to the sett so as to get the pleats in the same place. Once done I made a little loop next to the last fixing and pulled the tape from between the first two fixings though it, then pulled the tape between the next two fixings through the loop that made and so on along the row.
That made the length of looped tape, and also the folded fabric to be one third the original length. It is similar to making a cast on chain in crochet, if anyone has a handy crocheter to consult.
The last loop can be tied to the other end of the drawstring, with the end passed through the end of the loop for additional security.
I used mine as a dressing gown, and had the drawstring on the outside to tie over the top of the free ends/aprons - if you have the drawstring inside then the free ends need to be secured. I also found that pulling the plaid around me trapped the pleats folded in the required direction when the drawstring was on the outside.
I found that it was rather too likely to sweep the tops of coffee tables and catch on door and drawer handles, so it was converted into a 'real' dressing gown, but I could make a mock up if anyone can't visualise the way to do the sewing or folding.

**Kiltedjohn** · 6th August 17, 02:03 AM

Welcome from a Scotsman living in middle England. Can't help with your query, but intrigued to read the responses.

**WillowEstate** · 13th August 17, 09:23 AM

No idea about the belted Plaid, sorry, but a warm welcome from sunny Queensland anywy!

**EvaUnit37** · 13th August 17, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Pleater

When I tried this I sewed a tape to the fabric at intervals, sewing down a fold of the tape about 1/4 of an inch deep sewing two layers of tape not three. I did match the placing to the sett so as to get the pleats in the same place. Once done I made a little loop next to the last fixing and pulled the tape from between the first two fixings though it, then pulled the tape between the next two fixings through the loop that made and so on along the row.
That made the length of looped tape, and also the folded fabric to be one third the original length. It is similar to making a cast on chain in crochet, if anyone has a handy crocheter to consult.
The last loop can be tied to the other end of the drawstring, with the end passed through the end of the loop for additional security.
I used mine as a dressing gown, and had the drawstring on the outside to tie over the top of the free ends/aprons - if you have the drawstring inside then the free ends need to be secured. I also found that pulling the plaid around me trapped the pleats folded in the required direction when the drawstring was on the outside.
I found that it was rather too likely to sweep the tops of coffee tables and catch on door and drawer handles, so it was converted into a 'real' dressing gown, but I could make a mock up if anyone can't visualise the way to do the sewing or folding.

So I tried to sew in small loops and ran paracord through them in a configuration much like one would treat drapes for a window. The end result was the pleats were very messy and, unless a considerable amount of time was vested, i could not get them to an acceptable level of decency.

In fact it is much faster to just pleat by hand and obtain far superior results... for me that is.

I have two solid colour belted plaids that I was interested in doing this with, just for the simple fact of it being slightly more time consuming to pleat when one does not have the sett as a guide!