Do kilts have a "break-in" period?

**Tobus** · 25th January 12, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Tobus,

There is still one post to this thread that is just crying out to be made.

Does the kilt fit and does it still seem to change size?

Is your original problem resolved?

The issue is indeed resolved. The stretch is gone. Of course, now my kilt fits me differently - it's smaller than it was before (again, since the stretch is gone). Hopefully this weekend I'll be able to get some pictures.

**crash** · 29th January 12, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

Crash, If you want further pictorial threads like this I have an entire shop full of older Regimental kilts that are in for repair.
Some are labelled as made in Scotland by some of the most respected names of the '60's and 70's.

Some of these kilts are litarally falling apart but the Regiment wants them fixed.

Steve, if you want to start another thread I would really like to read it. It's an interesting subject and the discoveries enlightening.

**Kilted Karl** · 3rd February 12, 04:19 PM

More More More! Please!

YOS,

Karl:ootd:

**English Bloke** · 24th February 12, 07:23 AM

Tremendous thread! More of the same would be great if you get chance Steve. It's really fascinating to see Kilts being restored. Oh, and I'd also ask sticky please or a Kilt repairs and rebuilds section? Just so these type of threads are easier to find.

Incidentally. My new Black Watch Weathered just failed the buckle tug test. Me thinks I'd better find me an old bed-sheet.

**Father Bill** · 24th February 12, 09:22 AM

This morning I've realized that the implications of all of this are absolutely critical with regards to advice that is frequently given on this forum. It has often been said by our experts that if a kilt needs to be taken in or let out, it is easy to move the one buckle and the opposite strap.

If these comments about the stabilizer are as important as suggested here (and I have no doubt about that!) then it is vitally important that in re-attaching them, the stitches go all the way through in order to engage the stabilizer.

Steve, John, Barb - your expert and experienced comments on this will be much appreciated.

This morning, I took my Celtic Craft Centre tank out of the closet and could clearly see that there was exactly the distortion mentioned next to the buckle. Well, I had moved it when it was delivered because the kilt was too loose. (John, as you know from when you measured me up for my next one, I like my kilt tight.) I had moved the buckle myself, but not stitched right through.

So... I took out my needle and thread and stitched right through... and it flunked Steve's stretch test again. Now I'm really worried!

Comments from the experts?

Bill

**The Wizard of BC** · 24th February 12, 10:22 AM

Father Bill,

You are correct. If the straps and buckles are moved to re-size a kilt the stitching must go all the way through the stabilizer and the interfacing. This includes the right side buckles that you move and also the left strap that you move.

You should also insure that when you sew the buckles back on that you do not stretch the kilt too much. If, while the buckles are off and you stretch the pleats till you put the stress on the pleat stitching, and then sew the buckle on there you have just defeated to purpose of the stabilizer.

A quick way to check if your kilt does indeed even have stabilizer is to lay the kilt out on a table with no stretch in the pleated area. Stick some pins, or better yet safety pins, through the pleats in a line with the buckles. Insure the pins go all the way through the pleats, stabilizer, interfacing and the liner.

When you have the pins in you can do the stretch test again. If you have caught the stabilizer you should be able to see the pins pull and try to take up the stress.

If the pleats still stretch to the point where the stress is on the stitching your kilt may not have the stabilizer. You may have to take the kilt apart and install one.

**Father Bill** · 24th February 12, 11:32 AM

Steve, I'm not sure which direction you want the pins in - parallel to the pleats, or horizontally across them. My kilt is lying on the bed waiting for your instructions!

**Steve Ashton** · 24th February 12, 11:55 AM

I guess I would not really matter Father Bill. If I were doing this I would insert the safety pins perpendicular to the length of the stabilizer.

Or in other words up and down relative to the kilt and following along the line of the pleats.

The idea is to catch the stabilizer. Then when you pull on the pleats you should see if the pins try to move indicating that the stabilizer is there and trying to take the stress. If the pins don't move or show signs of being stuck through something inside the kilt then it would be a good bet that your kilt does not have a stabilizer.

**Father Bill** · 24th February 12, 12:05 PM

Good grief! One clearly moves (the one near the buckle I re-sewed this morning, where the distortion is) the other stays stock still. I suspect that means that I've just missed it with the pin, although I've tried re-pinning it a couple of times.

I think that when I pick up my new box-pleat from John, I'll ask him to make an assessment. I worry about this much beloved, expensive tank!