Hem and PV question

**Bjordnolf** · 22nd February 06, 09:32 AM

I've ordered some PV tartan and it does not have a selvedge edge so I was wondering if there is any reason to not do the hem to start with instead of after finishing the kilt? Also should I wash my material before starting or will it matter?
Thanks

**Colin** · 22nd February 06, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by Bjordnolf

I've ordered some PV tartan and it does not have a selvedge edge so I was wondering if there is any reason to not do the hem to start with instead of after finishing the kilt? Also should I wash my material before starting or will it matter?
Thanks

From all I know about PV (I have 3 kilts made of it) yes you do need to wash the material first, as it may shrink slightly. As for the Hem, Bear actually makes his with a fringe along the bottom. This works really well for casual kilts and is likely a fair bit easier than a hem on such light material.

**auld argonian** · 22nd February 06, 09:58 AM

If you hem on a sewing machine there's an attachment (on my Singer, anyway) that turns the fabric so that you can do a blind hem stitch. The blind hem stitch is supposed to be the least noticeable one. I'm still practicing trying to get my act together with this before I dare to try it on anything I care about.

Re: Bear's fringy hem...does anyone know if he applies that product that one sees in the fabric shops that's supposed to hold unfinished fabric edges together?

Best

AA

**Colin** · 22nd February 06, 10:01 AM

I think he just adds a double sewn line along the bottom and than fringes the material. I would have to look at one at home. Bear in mind I have very little sewing experience or knowledge, I can fix my own buttons thought.

**Bjordnolf** · 22nd February 06, 10:09 AM

I would rather not have the fringed bottom because Im trying to make a nice looking 8 yard kilt.

**646guy** · 22nd February 06, 10:15 AM

I dunno...I'm kinda partial to that light fringe on the end...but that's just me...

**cavscout** · 22nd February 06, 10:16 AM

I can't speak fro Bear's Kilts but Rocky's have a single row of thread along the bottom about 1/8" from the bottom edge and the edge fringes down from there. I wasn't sure about it until I got my Gordon Modern and now I think the look is really very nice. It's one of those things that doesn'treally jump out at you but gives an pleasing appearance to the kilt.

**pdcorlis** · 22nd February 06, 10:23 AM

Ooooooooh Barb... :rolleyes:

**Colin** · 22nd February 06, 10:26 AM

Originally Posted by pdcorlis

Ooooooooh Barb... :rolleyes:

You mean Oooooooh Bear, Rocky, or Kelly. PV is a totally different beast than wool. I have some wool sitting around waiting to be made into a kilt and I have some PV. I will go word for word from Barb on the wool, but for the PV I would want Bear or Rocky's knowledge of the product.

**MacHummel** · 22nd February 06, 10:31 AM

I like to put hem on my kilts it helps add weight to your kilt if you are working with PV to give you that nice swish when you walk. Now with wool you usually have a very nice selvage and you already the weight of the fabric to give you that swish.