Question about pleats.....

[Blu (Ontario)]

I've noticed that the left side reverse pleat (where the outer apron starts) on the front of my 13oz trad. kilt tends to curl forward rather than back. I've made it a point to keep the lower right hand strap loose fitting so it doesn't pull and also I make sure that the under apron is not bunched up in any way. Is this curl suppose to be there? or should I get out the iron and adjust the pleat to make it fold backwards? All opinions welcome.

Thanx,
blu

[Kilted_John]

Blu, got the same issue with my Lennox kilt. The Armstrong and the MacKenzie don't seem to do it. Think it has to do with the lighter-weight wool and its ease of getting creased, among other things...
-J

[Chris@southerncelt.com]

I have the same problem with my lighter-weight kilt. I think it does have something to do with the fabric weight. I was told that it could be remedied by a deeper first pleat, but this isn't the case. Perhaps attacking the back of the pleat with an iron could flatten it out, I've never really thought about it. I'll have to try it. You don't want to hit the front tho, as that would affect the A-line of your apron.

[al' Sporrano]

Hey guys. I've got this problem too!! Pressing it helps. I just thought the kiltmaker had made a slight mistake in the making, but I'm now in some way relieved that it appears to be a common problem.

Mine is a medium weight full 8 yards. I'm intending to take it up with the kiltmaker for my second kilt. I'll let you know if I learn anything.

Maybe our own personal 'Oracle of Xmarks' (Aka Hamish) may have the answer already.)

Al

[Kilt'n'Khuk]

My 20 year old 8 yd medium wt. woolen kilt which hasn't fit me since about 30 lbs. ago did (does) the same thing.

[Blu (Ontario)]

I'm beginning to think that it might have something to do with body shape.

[Kilted_John]

Blu, possibly, but, it seems like something that all of us with 13 oz. kilts are suffering from. In my case, I think it has a lot ot do with sitting, especially if I've been doing a lot of driving in the Lennox kilt, it'll get a bit more curled than normal. Whereas the MacKenzie or the Armstrong seem not to suffer from the curling issue. I have decided to relegate the Lennox to summer wear only, though... That way, it won't develop wrinkly and curly pleats as much as it has over the past 2 years. Probably will alternate between it and the Armstrong in the summer, like I've been with the Armstrong and the MacKenzie during the winter/springtime months.
-J

[Canuck]

I'm beginning to think that it might have something to do with body shape.

Blu, I bought my kilt from Macleods as well. I just put it on and it doesn't curl(lightweight Blackwatch). However if it's not sitting properly meaning perfectly centre it pulls. I think the pleat has to be right at the side not too far forward.
Also depending on the width of the sett. some are 8cm others are 14cm. That pleat is a double based on a 14cm sett. The 8cm is 4x so 32cm instead of 28cm thus giving more fabric in the pleat. This is just theory.
What is the width of your sett?

[Blu (Ontario)]

I'm beginning to think that it might have something to do with body shape.

Blu, I bought my kilt from Macleods as well...etc...
Also depending on the width of the sett. some are 8cm others are 14cm. That pleat is a double based on a 14cm sett. The 8cm is 4x so 32cm instead of 28cm thus giving more fabric in the pleat. This is just theory.
What is the width of your sett?

The dimension from stripe to identical stripe on my tartan is approx. 21.5cm. with 10 pleats at roughly 2.1cm each. The pleats are 10 to 11 cm deep. with a total of 24 across the back. As an experiment, I strapped on the kilt and rolled the pleat edge back so it lay flat, marked it, steamed it out full length, and re-ironed the pleat over about 1/2" from the factory position. Not perfect but it lays much flatter than it did. I think it looks ok. If I get gasps of horror from folks, then I'll know I'd better put it back.

[Canuck]

OK, another suggestion when you iron your pleats. put a tablespoon of vinegar with the water into your steam iron. This will help set the pleat and keep it longer.
Every plaid is different so that could explain how it hangs and the math to put it together.
all the best
Robert