Hemming a kilt

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

The before, during, and after shots. It would be nice to show the sort of things which to my untrained eye seemed to be imperfections.

From what I can remember and Karla's pictures, this is indeed a much looser weave. That would lead someone much more knowledgeable to posit this was handloomed.

I'd love to know the real history about this kilt. Thank you for your research Karla.

True, but most of the colorwork that I do is stranded, not inarstia.

To haul the thread back on topic, I'm about halfway done with the reweaving. Pictures when I'm done.

[Barb T]

Barb, do you know if the mills that you mentioned use any kind of device to stretch the fabric on the loom? Also, the hand is much 'fuzzier', softer than either the Lochcarron that I have or the tartans that the guys let me examine in KC.

Reading in your book, Barb, is it possible that I might be looking at the softer Dalgliesh F/1? It's described as a soft finish worsted.

It's very common to see what look like little holes along the selvedge of tartan. They aren't holes that will ravel - they are just plces where the web was spread a little around a set of pins that held the fabric stretched either during weaving or fulling (I can't remember which, actually). I think these little pins are called tenterhooks, but I might be out to lunch on that one.

PM me, and I'll send you a scrap of Dalgliesh's K1 and F1 tartans!

[Paul Henry]

yes Barb,,, tenter hooks.. .. the phrase is used in an english expression - to be on tenterhooks.... meaning to be under tension... or perhaps these days...jonesing for a kilt!

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

or jonesing for one's vintage kilt. Although, I will let Karla take her time.

But, I can't wait to see the outcome of all this. We should probably rename this thread.

[ThreadBbdr]

Of the four holes that I had to fix, this one was the worst.


15 of the 25 warp threads between the selvage and the white stripe were gone. Here I've replaced them (this is the inside of the kilt)


With the warp threads also replaced (public side)


and the private side


The ones in the yellow stripes were the worst, and this one is definately the uglier of the two. The stripe will straighten out when I press it, of course. Part of the wiggle in it is the way I'm holding it. It's HARD to take a picture of your left hand with the camera in your right

Where there's no contrast, the repairs just disappear.


I'm on to putting the lining back down and fixing the leather and moving the hip buckle back up where it's supposed to be. Your kilt is now no longer holey!

[ThreadBbdr]

It's very common to see what look like little holes along the selvedge of tartan. They aren't holes that will ravel - they are just plces where the web was spread a little around a set of pins that held the fabric stretched either during weaving or fulling (I can't remember which, actually). I think these little pins are called tenterhooks, but I might be out to lunch on that one.

Cool, good to know. That's exactly what I was talking about. Handweavers call them "Temples". (link is to one of my two favorite weaving supply houses, the other being the Yarn Barn of Lawrence). You can see the 'teeth' and how they might leave a flaw in the selvage. It's looking less likely, then, that this is handwoven or handloomed cloth.

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

Has anybody heard from Karla, AKA ThreadBbdr, lately? She was unwell the last time I heard from her.

I've been trying to get in touch with her but she isn't answering anything.

I hope she's OK.