Hem and PV question

**Bjordnolf** · 22nd February 06, 09:32 AM

I've ordered some PV tartan and it does not have a selvedge edge so I was wondering if there is any reason to not do the hem to start with instead of after finishing the kilt? Also should I wash my material before starting or will it matter?
Thanks

**Colin** · 22nd February 06, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Bjordnolf

I've ordered some PV tartan and it does not have a selvedge edge so I was wondering if there is any reason to not do the hem to start with instead of after finishing the kilt? Also should I wash my material before starting or will it matter?
Thanks

From all I know about PV (I have 3 kilts made of it) yes you do need to wash the material first, as it may shrink slightly. As for the Hem, Bear actually makes his with a fringe along the bottom. This works really well for casual kilts and is likely a fair bit easier than a hem on such light material.

**auld argonian** · 22nd February 06, 09:58 AM

If you hem on a sewing machine there's an attachment (on my Singer, anyway) that turns the fabric so that you can do a blind hem stitch. The blind hem stitch is supposed to be the least noticeable one. I'm still practicing trying to get my act together with this before I dare to try it on anything I care about.

Re: Bear's fringy hem...does anyone know if he applies that product that one sees in the fabric shops that's supposed to hold unfinished fabric edges together?

Best

AA

**Colin** · 22nd February 06, 10:01 AM

I think he just adds a double sewn line along the bottom and than fringes the material. I would have to look at one at home. Bear in mind I have very little sewing experience or knowledge, I can fix my own buttons thought.

**Bjordnolf** · 22nd February 06, 10:09 AM

I would rather not have the fringed bottom because Im trying to make a nice looking 8 yard kilt.

**646guy** · 22nd February 06, 10:15 AM

I dunno...I'm kinda partial to that light fringe on the end...but that's just me...

**cavscout** · 22nd February 06, 10:16 AM

I can't speak fro Bear's Kilts but Rocky's have a single row of thread along the bottom about 1/8" from the bottom edge and the edge fringes down from there. I wasn't sure about it until I got my Gordon Modern and now I think the look is really very nice. It's one of those things that doesn'treally jump out at you but gives an pleasing appearance to the kilt.