4 yard vs 8 yard

**bubba** · 16th February 04, 04:11 PM

This might sound like a silly question, but what is the practical difference between a 4 yard and 8 yard kilt as far as appearance goes?
Mike

**Colin** · 16th February 04, 04:33 PM

I believe it is the size and number of the pleats

**Blu (Ontario)** · 16th February 04, 04:38 PM

What it basically boils down to is this. More fabric equals tighter pleating and more weight. More weight equals better swing and hang, less vulnerability to wind, and more resistance to wrinkles. Heavywight worsted wool, full 8yard, traditional cut... definitely my first choice. It's also more $$$.

Blu

**Canuck** · 16th February 04, 06:23 PM

Originally Posted by bubba

This might sound like a silly question, but what is the practical difference between a 4 yard and 8 yard kilt as far as appearance goes?
Mike

A 4yd tends to be machine sewn whereas the 8 yd hand stitched. As stated before more narrower pleats. The finish inside tends to be better as well. Curtains or lining covering the cut outof the pleats inside.
Asthetically the hand stitched pleats look better. Blu has coined it a better swish. very nice garment, great for dancing in too.
Contemporary kilts i.e. UK's Amerikilt and R kilts have 4-5.5 yds.

**Graham** · 16th February 04, 06:24 PM

Adding to Blus' words, a 4 yard kilt is obviously lighter and cheaper, especially if made out of polyester or wool blend.

This kilt is nice for hot days and hiking in warm weather.
Just mind the wind tho' else the age old question would soon be answered

A good sporran and a heavy kilt pin keeps the front down, the back is another matter :P

**bubba** · 16th February 04, 07:59 PM

Thanks for the comments. Now, one more question, is 13 oz wool a good weight for an 8 yard kilt of is it too light for practical wear? This should answer the last of my rookie questions.

**Canuck** · 16th February 04, 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by bubba

Thanks for the comments. Now, one more question, is 13 oz wool a good weight for an 8 yard kilt of is it too light for practical wear? This should answer the last of my rookie questions.

I like a 13oz as it isn't too warm in the summer and just warm enough in the winter, the wool is a finer blend and not as irratating to the skin

**Blu (Ontario)** · 16th February 04, 08:37 PM

13oz is just fine. I have both a 13oz and a 16oz...both full 8yard trad cut worsted wool. The 13oz has a smoother finish, is a (wee) bit lighter (better in the heat of summer), but also tends to wrinkle a bit more easily. Learn the butt-sweep and the wrinkle problem goes away. I love wearing 'em both. 8)

Blu

**bubba** · 16th February 04, 08:48 PM

Thank you gentlemen, you are a great resource and a huge help. Looks like I'll be doing some ordering in a week or so. Meantime I'll carry on with making the denim kilt when I get my sewing machine back on Wednesday. Took it in for a cleaning and tune-up. Made lots of fleece scarves and hats for Christmas gifts and you can't believe how much lint gets into every part of the machine.
Mike

**Jimmy Carbomb** · 19th February 04, 05:30 AM

Originally Posted by bubba

Meantime I'll carry on with making the denim kilt when I get my sewing machine back on Wednesday. Mike

Hope you have some real strong needles! The denim kilts take some patience and a bit of machine coaxing with the hems and "fold-overs".

One small piece of advise... please wash the material BEFORE you begin to sew it up. The shrinkage will take all your hard work and toss it out the window otherwise! 8)