Question about an old post

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th March 16, 02:37 PM

Then I would sew the straps on right.

In fact if it were my kilt I would close up the left strap hole, extend the stabilizer all the way to the apron edges, and the straps to the extended stabilizer.

**Barb T** · 9th March 16, 06:58 PM

Originally Posted by Sean Wilson

if I cut out the pleats before fitting a stabalizser the kilt will not be as snug, and maybe a little too large as the straps are currently at their tightest.

Have to say that I'm not entirely sure what your question is, but here are two thoughts. If you have a low-yardage kilt, you don't really need to cut out the pleats to reduce the bulk. So, just put a stabilizer over the uncut pleats. That's what I do with a box pleated kilt - no need to cut out the bulk. If it's a standard 8-yard kilt, go ahead and cut out the pleats to reduce the bulk. You can pull the back in quite a bit to make it the right size. It's pretty easy to "shrink" the back a half inch or an inch by putting on a stabilizer that's the right length but shorter than the actual length across the pleats. Just distribute the excess, and steam generously, and move the buckles and straps. It will work out.

If this doesn't make sense, just PM me, and I'll have a go at a better explanation. We can always Skype.

**Sean Wilson** · 10th March 16, 01:06 AM

Originally Posted by Barb T

Have to say that I'm not entirely sure what your question is, but here are two thoughts. If you have a low-yardage kilt, you don't really need to cut out the pleats to reduce the bulk. So, just put a stabilizer over the uncut pleats. That's what I do with a box pleated kilt - no need to cut out the bulk. If it's a standard 8-yard kilt, go ahead and cut out the pleats to reduce the bulk. You can pull the back in quite a bit to make it the right size. It's pretty easy to "shrink" the back a half inch or an inch by putting on a stabilizer that's the right length but shorter than the actual length across the pleats. Just distribute the excess, and steam generously, and move the buckles and straps. It will work out.

If this doesn't make sense, just PM me, and I'll have a go at a better explanation. We can always Skype.

That makes sense Barbara but thank you for the kind offer of Skype... you and Steve have been helpful beyond measure. Thank you

**The Wizard of BC** · 10th March 16, 01:25 AM

Ya know what Sean? I think I'm going to retract my last.
You have the book. In thinking honestly about it I think you should make a kilt following the book exactly. Once you have a kilt under your belt you will understand all of this stuff far better than we can type instructions.

You will understand on a basic, gut level, why the book says to do something. And why it says to do it a certain way.

After that first kilt you can think about inside left straps and other stuff. Because you will understand much better the how and why a kilt is made.

**Pleater** · 10th March 16, 03:33 AM

At this very moment I have a kilt waiting for remedial work on the centre back of the waistline, where the reinforcement has proven not enough to keep the fabric from being stretched.

Wool fabric will change shape under the influence of pressure warmth and moisture - it is the whole reason for the existence of tailors and steam irons.

To keep the strain of being worn from the fabric at the waistline I usually make the top of a kilt an inch or more larger than the reinforcing and ease it in during the fixing of it. I suspect that I did not put enough extra into the centre back and now the non stretch sewing thread is breaking under the pressure.

I use all cotton sewing thread, so it snaps rather than tears or distorts the fabric. I prefer to have to resew rather than have damage.

Personally, I would never rely on the integral stability of wool or a wool blend because it really doesn't have any when put under pressure. If there are several layers then the process will take longer, but it is inevitable.

The straps and buckles on most of my kilts are now secured to the same material as used for seat belts.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Sean Wilson** · 10th March 16, 06:50 AM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

Ya know what Sean? I think I'm going to retract my last.
You have the book. In thinking honestly about it I think you should make a kilt following the book exactly. Once you have a kilt under your belt you will understand all of this stuff far better than we can type instructions.

You will understand on a basic, gut level, why the book says to do something. And why it says to do it a certain way.

After that first kilt you can think about inside left straps and other stuff. Because you will understand much better the how and why a kilt is made.

I've made my first kilt (with all but the lining to do), and once again I'd like to thank both you and Barbara as well as the input from the Rabble in answering all of the questions one inevitably runs into when taking on such a daunting project for the first time. I have made mistakes, I have learnt a lot but I am under no illusion that I have only scratched the surface of this art.

The process has opened my eyes as to the skills required in making a fine kilt. I have enjoyed the process immensely and will definately be making more kilts and no doubt asking many more questions. I hope you will all bear with me as I learn.