Cotton lining in kilts

**Charles Exton** · 19th October 15, 03:47 PM

got a question regarding the care and maintenance of wool kilts with a cotton lining, because patterned cotton doesn't like dry cleaning (and i like patterned linings in my garments, adds alil personal touch) how should i clean the kilt?

**Steve Ashton** · 19th October 15, 04:38 PM

I have been putting printed Cotton broadcloth in my kilts for a long time. Many have been dry cleaned over and over. With no ill effects.

**Charles Exton** · 20th October 15, 09:49 AM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

I have been putting printed Cotton broadcloth in my kilts for a long time. Many have been dry cleaned over and over. With no ill effects.

that's a relief, on another note, what materials are suitable for the interfacing, other than hair canvas?

**Steve Ashton** · 20th October 15, 10:50 AM

The purpose of interfacing is to give body to the garment. Tailors have used hair canvas for a long time and it is considered the best thing when you need to impart uni-directional stiffness along with strength. Hair canvas is stiffer in one direction than the other. If folded it will create almost a 'boning' effect to help the back of the kilt stand up.
Hair canvas is also very strong and stable. Most hair canvas today is made from synthetic fibers so does not rot.

In older kilts you will sometimes see a material that appears like heavy canvas or burlap. This is actually a linen fabric called Hessian. It has also been used by tailors for many years. Linen is very strong and give great body when you can't fold it like in a jacket chest or do not need the vertical stiffness. Linen will last a very long time but can deteriorate over time. (Usually the stitching fails first)

The internal elements of a kilt are the things that give the garment its shape, body and strength. I personally do not skimp on my internal elements just to save a few bucks. The difference between bargain basement interfacing and the good stuff will be only 2 or 3 dollars per kilt.

Canvas interfacings including hair canvas are readily found in most fabric stores.

I have seen some modern interfacing fabrics that are non-woven. They are not like felt, more molded. They were originally designed for the ball cap manufacturers. I have not personally used them but I am intrigued by the possibility.

**Charles Exton** · 20th October 15, 12:33 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

The purpose of interfacing is to give body to the garment. Tailors have used hair canvas for a long time and it is considered the best thing when you need to impart uni-directional stiffness along with strength. Hair canvas is stiffer in one direction than the other. If folded it will create almost a 'boning' effect to help the back of the kilt stand up.
Hair canvas is also very strong and stable. Most hair canvas today is made from synthetic fibers so does not rot.

In older kilts you will sometimes see a material that appears like heavy canvas or burlap. This is actually a linen fabric called Hessian. It has also been used by tailors for many years. Linen is very strong and give great body when you can't fold it like in a jacket chest or do not need the vertical stiffness. Linen will last a very long time but can deteriorate over time. (Usually the stitching fails first)

The internal elements of a kilt are the things that give the garment its shape, body and strength. I personally do not skimp on my internal elements just to save a few bucks. The difference between bargain basement interfacing and the good stuff will be only 2 or 3 dollars per kilt.

Canvas interfacings including hair canvas are readily found in most fabric stores.

I have seen some modern interfacing fabrics that are non-woven. They are not like felt, more molded. They were originally designed for the ball cap manufacturers. I have not personally used them but I am intrigued by the possibility.

I litterally can not find hair canvas in any local fabric shop, though i have been suggested that upholstery places might have it