Converting great kilt to trad 8 yard small kilt

**Woodsheal** · 17th July 07, 03:56 PM

At reenactments, I've seen the pleats on belted plaids run left, right, left AND right (boxpleats), or just appear as a mass of gathers. No charges of 'transvestism' have ever been hurled. Where did you get that notion?

Anyways, removing the stitching and throwing the plaid into a tub full of warm water would probably eliminate the pressed pleats....

**gilmore** · 17th July 07, 04:02 PM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

At reenactments, I've seen the pleats on belted plaids run left, right, left AND right (boxpleats), or just appear as a mass of gathers. No charges of 'transvestism' have ever been hurled. Where did you get that notion?

Anyways, removing the stitching and throwing the plaid into a tub full of warm water would probably eliminate the pressed pleats....

The pleats in women's kilted skirts open on the left, not the right, as do those in kilts.

I thought of a soak in warm water, but was concerned about shrinkage.

**Woodsheal** · 17th July 07, 04:13 PM

Ah, I see! Modern kilt construction "rules" tend to not apply to kilts and plaids from the early historic periods (pre-1800). Look closely at early images and you'll occasionally even see the apron opening on men's kilts (well, there were no women's kilts!) to the left instead of the right.

With lukewarm - not hot - water, and air drying, I think shrinkage would be minimal. At least that's my experience with rain-soaked wool....