In the regiments, a band of elastic is tacked in the inside loosely across the pleats, probably to help keep the intricate pleats from unfolding too much and not refolding correctly. (w2f)
Just like this:


Elastic is sewn to alternate pleats. It is 5 1/2" up from the bottom. My knife pleat ex Black Watch does not have this, so it would appear to only be used on the box pleat kilts. My very first kilt was ex-Seaforth and it had the elastic.

The good news is: What you and I posted were still learning exercises. (w2f)
I hear you loud and clear. My Douglas currently has bastings running every which-way! But, it's the best way to learn. This leads me to have some sympathy for Alan H's request for a manual, as I do believe that this technique should not be allowd to die out. Speaking of which, The new Royal Regiment of Scotland’s kilts will be made in Scotland with fabric woven by Robert Noble, although it will be 16 oz. and they will be machine-stitched (Hmmm....will this quest never end?) box pleats, using a version of the Argyle tartan with a lightened green. (Basically, Black Watch. Does this make it Pattern 1B?)

[The 64 hand sewn prototypes that were made by Argyle Bagpipes were recently offered for sale on eBay.co.uk. I did not buy one because they are current issue, but, it was very tempting. {It’s an honour thing. I do wear my Naval dress sword belt (minus the frog) with my kilts even though it is still current issue, but I did serve in the RN, as did both of my parents. I never did and never will serve in the RRS.}] The expired auction can be seen at:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?...3216&rd=1&rd=1

Note these kilts may be relisted later as none appear to have been sold.

I will be seeing her in a couple weeks in Victoria, BC at the 2007 Kilt Kamp.
(w2f)
I was originally going to be there, but my work has an annoying habit of interfering with my leisure time and I had to cancel.