Has anyone made their own flashes?

**Michael Weatherhead** · 20th March 16, 08:42 AM

Has anyone made their own hose flashes? It would seem that the sky is the limit, on creativity, fabric being so readily available. Also, has anyone here ever made the old style flashes, that you tie up (rather than just having ends sticking down, from an elastic band)? I'd be interested on your ideas/input

**GrainReaper** · 20th March 16, 08:56 AM

I've made several pair of flashes that dangle from an elastic strap, I've purchased several pairs of garter ties, but if you can knit you can make them yourself

**Mikilt** · 20th March 16, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by Michael Weatherhead

Has anyone made their own hose flashes? It would seem that the sky is the limit, on creativity, fabric being so readily available. Also, has anyone here ever made the old style flashes, that you tie up (rather than just having ends sticking down, from an elastic band)? I'd be interested on your ideas/input

I have VERY rudimentary knitting skills. I attempted to knit garter ties once but I found myself struggling with length/knowing how much it would stretch. I wound up with a garter that was far too long. I eventually grew wearing of knitting and just knit two 8" pieces that simply hang from an elastic garter.

**Mike S** · 20th March 16, 09:26 AM

I've mad a gazillion grosgrain ribbon ones in just about every color. I intend to learn how to knit some self-tie garter types soon.

**Dileasgubas** · 20th March 16, 10:11 AM

My military unit makes its own. A roll of grosgrain ribbon is all it takes.

I have also made my own by dying white ribbon. A bit messy but certainly cheaper.

**Todd Bradshaw** · 20th March 16, 12:07 PM

Yep, quite a few - tartan, tweed, cut-off knit and even some we wove on an inkle loom (solid red). I have some of the long knit garters that tie, but can't say I've ever noticed any real advantage to them. The elastic band version go on instantly and are always the desired length right off the bat with no fussing and the same look.

**ScottishStuart** · 21st March 16, 09:34 AM

I shadowed our seamstress in our workshop one day a few months ago and took some photos of the process of making Tartan Flashes, it might be of help to those starting out.

Less and less customers are going for self-tying flashes, with the elasticated strap versions being the most popular.

**Wareyin** · 21st March 16, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by ScottishStuart

I shadowed our seamstress in our workshop one day a few months ago and took some photos of the process of making Tartan Flashes, it might be of help to those starting out.

Less and less customers are going for self-tying flashes, with the elasticated strap versions being the most popular.

From your link: "if your Flashes were showing then you were single and available, while hidden Flashes meant that you were a taken man!" I was unaware of this. Is this still the custom?

**LANCER1562** · 21st March 16, 06:07 PM

About ten years ago I made a set of red flashes for my son to wear with his first and only kilt

**Michael Weatherhead** · 21st March 16, 06:39 PM

Wow, Todd, those look great, and easy. The reason I posed the question, was I was looking for an easy way to make them. I have some Douglas tartan flashes (which match my kilt), but wanted to make some solid color ones. Thought I would make some that match the green and blue hues, in my kilt. Thanks, for the photo.