cleaning and storage

[wsevans3]

great advice, thx to all. also the link with the hanger pix are excellent!

[Pleater]

No, no basting, but I make my kilts, and I am terribly 'something with initials' about the process. I press in the pleats until you could shave with them and sew up with a Vernier calliper to hand.
The top edges of the aprons are made 'wonky' so as to pull the fabric into the correct three dimensional shape to stop the vertical edges rolling out.
I take off the leather straps and buckles before washing.
The pleats aren't disturbed much in the process. I might lift up the front apron to deal with marks or stains on it but the kilt stays kilt shaped, so even though the fell isn't sewn it stays as it was made.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Liam]

Unless you have had a complete disaster with your kilt, why are you cleaning it?

[wsevans3]

thanks for all the great info! just wondering about what to do if i got a spill or spot on it. thanks again

[neloon]

So, here's what I do:-
- about 6" water in the bath at 30C with a cupful of biological powder fully dissolved.
- place kilt gently in water - do not agitate.
- after half an hour, remove and rinse well with flexible hose shower head (kilt preferably buckled and hung above bath).
- leave hanging until dry or at least no drips, preferably outdoors.
- the pleats should be more-or-less still there - press carefully with steam iron.
The front apron may need to be done more often and is, of course, easier - just drape that part into the bath. Maybe practise with that first?
Alan

[wsevans3]

many thanks!

[Pleater]

If you have a mark or spill, lay the kilt on a towel, marked side down, then take a sponge or cloth and a bowl of warm water with a little drop of liquid soap or shampoo mixed in, then wet the sponge, squeeze it out so it is not dripping wet and then dab the area to push water through the fabric taking the mark with it into the towel.

When the mark is gone move to a new area of towel and use warm water only to rinse out the fabric.

Do not rub the fabric or pull it across the towel as that will alter the finish of the fabric.

To finish off, put the wet fabric between dry towels and press on it.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[wsevans3]

thanks so much!