AKScott,

Thank you for responding to my question. Hopefully, Barb T. can shed light on the difference between purling and braiding, assuming there actually is one.

Using your notation my commercial plaid is more like 3 + 0 + 3 ... + 0 +3, where the zeros represent stretches of plaid in which there are no braids (or purls, whichever term is correct), ie the threads are simply not braided. The distance between each braid is about 1", but there is about 1/2" of space between each braid where the threads simply run to the edge of the tartan, as they would in an unfringed scarf. I don't know how they do that, but the net effect is that only about half the total length of the plaid is braided. I assume it requires much less handwork that way, and thus is less expensive.

In any case the purling on your plaid is a lot more delicate and refined than that on mine, and shows considerably more craftsmanship. I think my plaid is beautiful, but yours is going to be stunning. I suspect the price of mine would have more than doubled, if whoever made it spent as much time and care as you are doing on yours. Post a picture, so we can all admire it, when you are finished. :-)

mookien