Here is a couple of pleat side shots that shows a couple open pleats, demonstrating that the Saltire white segments are somehow sewn into the tartan background rather than just being a naturally occuring part of a standard symmetric tartan:
Looks like even Hamish has or had one:
Maybe we could ask him to spread out the pleats and show us what magic is making the saltire pattern.
Interestingly some appear to be made with what appears to be the HoE Rampant Lion tartan as their front apron rather than just the plain tartan as above and:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Scottish-K...-/190536065164
Interestingly if you look at the last posted picture, with the kilt laid out showing both aprons and pleats, the "grey" or mid-white stripe that the pleats seem to be centered on does not really match any stripe in the apron tartan, which has white stripes flanked by narrow grey or mid-white thin stripes, clearly not the same thickness as those in the fell of the pleated portions. My conclusion is that the pleated section is a specially woven fabric designed to specifically yield the saltire pattern when pleated to that grey or mid white stripe, then attached to different more standard pattern tartan or the rampant lion tartan sections of fabric for the aprons.
Unfortunately, despite an exhaustive photo search for "saltire kilt" I find no pictures of any saltire kilts made with the STA ITI#6152 tartan pattern.
jeff
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