Quote Originally Posted by Barb T.
Hi Robert

(snipped) So, if you translate this to a self-color kilt, yes, you can make the pleats too deep. If they're too deep, then you don't have enough fabric to make enough pleats across the back to make it look good.

-(Snip) For a "walking kilt", as you say, you don't cut out the pleats. But, then again, I can't imagine making a walking kilt out of 8 yards of material, which is what it would take if you wanted really deep pleats unless you had a very small number of pleats.

-and last, some of the swing does come from the amount of fabric that you use. A skimpy amount of fabric just won't swing as well as a full 7 or 8 yards will.

(snip). So, if I were doing a walking kilt, I'd try to make it as "kiltlike" as possible (i.e., put in more narrow pleats rather than fewer wide pleats) and not worry about the depth very much. That way, you won't have bulk at the waist, and it will look like a kilt. Won't swing as well as one with more fabric, but that's what I'd aim for.

I've only made a couple of walking kilts, so maybe I'm off in left field somewhere! What do you think??

Barb
What do I think?...you are not out in left field. I try and make the walking kilt as close to a tarditional as possible. Since I make contemporary kilts.... I try and put as much fabric in the kilt without making it too bulky. I like the look of a narrower pleat so mine are btween an 1" and 1.5" The other reason is that the taper at the waist isn't as noticable. My pleat depths are reasonably generous, I have experimented with a really deep pleat but I find I wasn't overall happy with the look. Wool of course gives the best swish factor, I was also surprised how well the leather swishes too.
But for my money I would pass on a wool walking kilt. I feel the pleat faces are too big, seeing the machine stitching also detracts from the look of the kilt.
I agree with your post I just snipped some of it out so this wouldn't be too long.
Many thanks
Robert