Hand stitching

**Laird_M** · 24th August 12, 04:52 AM

Ok folks, here's a question that I know will get some 'do it the other way' answers.

I've found a source of double width PV plaid at £15 a metre in one of my clan plaids, and want to have a go at making my own kilt - can save myself around £100...

I can't seem to use an electric sewing machine, always mucks up - thread snaps, doesn't feed properly, etc., so what stitch should be used to hand stitch a kilt?

I've tried serching but can't find which stitch is best.

I'm looking at this as a long term 'winter evening' project, so time is of no import.

**tulloch** · 24th August 12, 05:10 AM

Get Barb's book. It will give you all the information you need.

**Tobus** · 24th August 12, 05:24 AM

I can't seem to use an electric sewing machine, always mucks up - thread snaps, doesn't feed properly, etc., so what stitch should be used to hand stitch a kilt?

Sounds like you need to adjust the tension on your machine. It doesn't seem like a user error, but a machine issue. Could also be that you're binding the thread when you wind the bobbin.

Of course, if you just want to do it by hand, that's cool too. But I wouldn't give up on machine stitching. An hour spent fiddling with the machine to make it sew correctly can save you many, many hours of tedious hand-stitching.

**Laird_M** · 24th August 12, 09:43 AM

At £70, from Amazon, 2nd hand, that's WAY out of my current funds...

**Barb T** · 25th August 12, 05:34 PM

Amazing what people are trying to sell on Amazon.... ;-)

No need to pay that kind of price. You can order directly from me at the web site mentioned (http://www.celticdragonpress.com)

And get a brand new, shrink-wrapped version!

**gwynng** · 10th September 12, 03:28 PM

And when you get the book directly from Barb it arrives really fast. I am reading away, understanding some and going to pick up some fabric soon. I found some decent looking black grey white tartan in a wool poly blend that seems about the right weight and feel, a six inch sett, and at 10$ a yard can afford to learn and not be upset if I muck it up. wish me luck

and do get Barb's book if nothing more than to appreciate the artistry that goes into making a kilt.

**Pleater** · 12th September 12, 01:15 AM

Ah yes, those old machines were so well made, though such a simple, ingenious mechanism.

I still have my hand powered 'Gamages' machine, a thing of beauty, and the older I get the more I realise there is value in things long after the first blush is off, as long as there was quality there in the first place.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**xman** · 24th August 12, 09:50 AM

Ah, you're like me. Here's is where you start. http://www.celticdragonpress.com/ But the short answer is a felling stitch usually, but not exclusively.

**David Thorpe** · 24th August 12, 11:45 AM

Originally Posted by xman

Ah, you're like me. Here's is where you start. http://www.celticdragonpress.com/

The best advice you could get.

But the short answer is a felling stitch usually, but not exclusively.

There is no accurate short answer. Various stitches are used in various situations and purposes. The "bible" (TAoK) tells all.

**Paul Henry** · 25th August 12, 01:42 AM

There are several different types of stitches you might use,but with a combination of a simple runnning stitch and a back stitch that would be enough to get you started. There are many free sites about basic sewing stitches on the internet, if you want to message me, a fellow UK member, to help get you started, please do.
Barb's book ,while very useful,isn't essential, a simpler and much easier to follow , although basic is this link and it's also free!