Factors Affecting Pleat Swing

**turpin** · 12th December 07, 07:51 AM

But doesn't each pleat act as its own individual pendulum because each is fixed at a different part of the fell. Therefore the weight of the cloth in each pleat would be a greater factor affecting swing than total weight of the pleats.

**davedove** · 12th December 07, 07:52 AM

Originally Posted by turpin

But doesn't each pleat act as its own individual pendulum because each is fixed at a different part of the fell. Therefore the weight of the cloth in each pleat would be a greater factor affecting swing than total weight of the pleats.

But each pleat is connected to the next, so all the pleats would act in concert.

**The Wizard of BC** · 12th December 07, 09:18 AM

And the Fell should be horizontal so all the pleats should be the same length and will have the same rate of swing.

**Bugbear** · 12th December 07, 10:34 AM

I have a couple of questions. How would an under garment such as a very long shirt affect the swing if any. Also, wouldn't a box pleat be more springy and bounce outward a lot more than knife pleats? I think I would be a bigger fan of bounce than spring if that is so. Thanks.

**Mark Keeney** · 12th December 07, 01:33 PM

I had a kilt that needed a hem and it tended to swish more than my others of the same weight.

**Bugbear** · 12th December 07, 06:10 PM

Maybe more weight at the ends of the pleats is why.

Originally Posted by Mark Keeney

I had a kilt that needed a hem and it tended to swish more than my others of the same weight.

**AtagahiKC** · 12th December 07, 07:41 PM

Wow, I'm impressed with the responses. Thanks, everyone.

As for Mark Keeny's point, I wondered if drapery weights or something similar at the bottom would help keep a kilt down in wind better, while still getting decent swing.

I have no idea how they would be attached or if it would be worth the bother. For some reason, that came up when I read his response.

**ChattanCat** · 12th December 07, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by AtagahiKC

Wow, I'm impressed with the responses. Thanks, everyone.

As for Mark Keeny's point, I wondered if drapery weights or something similar at the bottom would help keep a kilt down in wind better, while still getting decent swing.

I have no idea how they would be attached or if it would be worth the bother. For some reason, that came up when I read his response.

I would be concerned about adding so much weight to the wool. It will stretch the wool and the lead banging against the back of your knees might be a little uncomfortable

I may have to do some finite element analysis to see what effects the swish - swoon factor.

**bonnie heather** · 13th December 07, 10:02 AM

Wow! This is so helpful!
Does it make any difference if the kilt is pleated as Black Watch type tartans are, with some very deep pleats and other pleats a shallow half-sett?
Do you know if a good quality poly-acrylic fabric would work for a highland dancer who wants an 8 yard kilt with a nice swing but can't afford worsted woolen tartan right now?

**Bugbear** · 13th December 07, 11:16 AM

Hi Bonnie I don't know enough about Highland dancing to know what would work for you. My achrylic kilt is light weight and it doesn't swing like a PV or wool kilt. It might be nice for regular dancing because it is light weight. As talked about above, the fell and so on have a great deal to do with the swing. I hope that you can find the best answer for your situation and you end up somehow some way with a really really good traditional wool kilt..

Originally Posted by bonnie heather

Wow! This is so helpful!
Does it make any difference if the kilt is pleated as Black Watch type tartans are, with some very deep pleats and other pleats a shallow half-sett?
Do you know if a good quality poly-acrylic fabric would work for a highland dancer who wants an 8 yard kilt with a nice swing but can't afford worsted woolen tartan right now?