How to: Make our own Flahes?

[reed_mclennan]

We have enought tartan wool left (we assume) to make a single set of Kilt Flahes, but do not know the standard length, etc, which enables them to work with standard hose. While we are very skilled at making clothes, etc, we have never worked with Kilt Making (yet), so we're looking for a pattern or set of best-practices / general rules for making Flashes. If anyone has the specifics around how to make Flashes, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I found the answer to my own post, within the archives of this site: http://www.xmarksthescot.com/articles_id.php?id=8

THanks all!

[McMurdo]

If you do a search for flashes in the DIY section I am sure you will find something.

[reed_mclennan]

I did find the answer.. Thanks - http://www.xmarksthescot.com/articles_id.php?id=8

[Barb T]

A variant for tartan flashes, rather than grosgrain ribbon flashes:

To make the elastics, I cut two pieces of 3/4" elastic, each 18" long. I sew 4" of Velcro hooks and pile to the ends ands zigzag the raw ends. This is a long enough elastic for just about anyone.

To make the flashes themselves, cut 4 pieces of tartan 3" wide x 7-7.5" long. Fold one long edge over half way and press. Fold the other long edge to meet the first and press. Cut a 7" piece of Stitch Witchery (great stuff that has heat bond on both sides and is kind of gauzy and not too stiff - I buy the 1" width). Slide the Stitch Witchery inside the flash and press. You can leave it at that, if you want, but I usually cover the join with a 1/2" bias strip of thin black cotton broadcloth ironed on with Wunder Under (again, sticky on both sides. Fold over one end about 1", and stitch to carry the elastic. Cut out a little triangle from the other end to make the points.

Makes great flashes that are easy to make and not too stiff. I like flashes a bit flexible and not as stiff as cardboard.

B

[O'Neille]

If you are tall or wear hose with large foldovers make your flashes a little long and then when you cut the notch you can make them just right. If not, you may need to pay big bucks and buy a flash stretcher. O'Neille

[James MacMillan]

If you are tall or wear hose with large foldovers make your flashes a little long and then when you cut the notch you can make them just right. If not, you may need to pay big bucks and buy a flash stretcher. O'Neille

I thought that you sold flash stretchers? Were you really asking "big bucks"...?

[Robert Lamb]

I make my own flashers
I buy a large package of the plan green pot scrubbers at the harware store, I also use them for scrubbing pots.
Anyway if you cut a strip maybe half an inch wide and the length the flasher is wide, and I use elmer's glue all, and glue the strip to the very top of the flasherand clam it into place until the glue is dry.
The scrubber has a lot of grip on the fabric of your hose, and is a lot cheaper than velcro.
If you want you can put a strip on both sides of the flasher top.
Robert "the kilted" Lamb

[ChattanCat]

Even easier:
Cut two strips of material 1.5" wide x 6" long
Notch one end of each.
Get some velcro, hooks only, with sticky tape on one side.
Remove sticky tape, attach to flash. The hooks on the velcro hold the flashes in place.
(note to self: always put hooks away from calf)

W

[Barb T]

And see the pictures that I just posted in this thread:

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/m...660/index.html