Which Tartan Is This?

[kiltedrennie]

I'm game to try. I've sewn a bit (hand stitched a doublet for ren-fair, made a basic shirt, that kind of thing). I'm reading the x-kilt (2nd ed.) instructions - so far they make sense. Has anyone put together a series of videos, by chance? Reading instructions and viewing photographs helps, but I'm more of a visual learner when it comes to sewing.

I'm also a bit concerned about pleating. This isn't a solid color fabric so I'm going to have to experiment with pleating to the sett or line. Pleating to the sett looks like it might be a bit more forgiving.

I'm also wondering how I should fix the pleats. It's 70% wool and dry clean only. I'd like to avoid stitching along the edge to hold the pleat. I once watched a BBC video about kilt making. It looks like they use big industrial steam presses. Would I need to find a place that could press it or can my home iron do the job?

[Elizabeth]

I'm newer at this than you but somewhere on the site I read about how to press a kilt. I know you can also do a quick press at home, maybe then baste the pleats so they are laying properly and take it to the cleaners to have it pressed with the larger press. I need to read all the X-kilt and X-skirt instructions to see if I thin I could make one. If you make one be sure to take and post pictures of the process!

[kiltedrennie]

After looking at the photographs, I'm not entirely sure if I like the X-Kilt style. I just ordered "The Art of Kiltmaking" to compare and contrast. I'll probably end up making both. The box pleated add-on to "Art" looks interesting. There goes the summer!

I blog just about everything I make, including software development at http://pragmaticpizza.blogspot.com/. I'll be sure to blog this too.

[Elizabeth]

I just this morning ordered "The Art of Kiltmaking" myself. I heard it was a good read even if you never make a kilt. I have a woman's pleated Pendleton skirt that I was going to deconstruct for a Ren Faire costume.... but now it screams KILT to me.

[kiltedrennie]

I just this morning ordered "The Art of Kiltmaking" myself. I heard it was a good read even if you never make a kilt. I have a woman's pleated Pendleton skirt that I was going to deconstruct for a Ren Faire costume.... but now it screams KILT to me.

Hey, we should make sure we compare notes on construction etc!

[Tartan Tess]

Elsie (of The art of kiltmaking) calls this "Bastard Tartan"
I just love her....

[kiltedrennie]

Elsie (of The art of kiltmaking) calls this "Bastard Tartan"
I just love her....

LOL! I'll make sure I remember that when I'm asked what clan it is!

[piperdbh]

Six yards of double-width would be enough fabric for a 4-yard kilt, waistcoat and maybe a jacket, depending on your size. A tartan suit can be smashing!