Sarong?

**robgiv** · 23rd August 13, 06:06 AM

When I was in Scotland last September, I had an 8 yd. 16 oz. traditional wool kilt made at a tailor adjacent to Edinburgh Castle. I have worn the garment on numerous occasions and have noticed tha there doesn't seem to any swing or flow to the garment and frankly looks like a sarong from the front. It is an extremely heavy garment and I am wondering if this is normal for a heavy weight traditional kilt. When I have been at various gatherings where others are wearing kilts, there seems to be a lot more movement or swing in their garments, which I supposed could just be a function of their kilts being casual or much lighter. Any thoughts anyone has would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.

**Father Bill** · 23rd August 13, 06:18 AM

Hi! Others will have ideas here, but generally, the heavier the weight, the better the "swish."

**Jock Scot** · 23rd August 13, 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Hi! Others will have ideas here, but generally, the heavier the weight, the better the "swish."

Bill is quite right the heavier the kilt cloth the better it swings-------assuming the kilt is made properly, which I am sure it will have been. As to weight, it all depends how much cloth and how much the cloth weighs, so assuming the cloth is, probably, 16 oz and let us say that 8 yards of cloth was used, then your kilt will weigh roughly 8 lbs and can take a bit of getting used to.

As to the "swing", it all happens behind, so you will never actually see it!I can't say that when wearing the kilt, I ever notice anything "swishing" as I walk, others will of course and I suppose if you really need to re-assure yourself, then get a friend to take a film from behind as you walk.

**McElmurry** · 23rd August 13, 07:33 AM

Any chance the basting stitches are still in the kilt?

**Tartan Tess** · 23rd August 13, 08:42 AM

I bet your right McElmurry. They are sewn together before pressing and left in for shipping.
There has got to be a thread on cutting the pleats free but I can't find one for the life of me.
Hang tight, someone will chime in, with pictures I bet.

**Jock Scot** · 23rd August 13, 08:46 AM

Originally Posted by McElmurry

Any chance the basting stitches are still in the kilt?

I did wonder, but then I thought---------------

**Zardoz** · 23rd August 13, 08:48 AM

Originally Posted by McElmurry

Any chance the basting stitches are still in the kilt?

That was my first thought

**mookien** · 23rd August 13, 09:09 AM

In case the kilt still has its basting stitches (a picture would help us), be careful and be gentle in removing them. But, it is easy to do. They are secured by knots at each end which, if you are careful, are easy to "unravel". I use tweezers to do the unraveling at one of the ends (your choice). Then, gently grasp the thread and simply pull on it to remove all the intervening stitches. When you reach the other end (and the knots there), simply unravel them. There will likely be more than one line of basting stitches, so you will have to do the above more than once. Good luck and post a pic - before and after would be great.