Military Kilt repairs

[The Wizard of BC]

I had a chance to spend some time working on the Military Kilts so I thought I would post an update.

When I took to old worn waistband off I found that this kilt did indeed originally have a reverse pleat. So I thought what the heck, I've gone this far I might as well put it back in.

The first thing I have to do is re-establish the under-apron right side taper.
Here you can see my method of doing that. Note that I am using a trick from my yacht design days. The curved line is laid out with a flexible batten and some lead weights called 'ducks'.



Here is a shot from a different angle showing the amount of apron taper and the curve.




Once the aprons are basted and pressed I was able to finish the basting.
Now that everything is back in its proper alignment it is starting to look like a kilt again.



Here is what the inside looks like at this stage.
Even though the Fell stitches are missing it doesn't look too bad.



The next step will be to re-stitch all the pleats in the Fell. Most of the stitches are loose and done with a very large yarn like stuff. So wish me luck as I begin the long process of stitching.

[mbhandy]

The next step will be to re-stitch all the pleats in the Fell. Most of the stitches are loose and done with a very large yarn like stuff. So wish me luck as I begin the long process of stitching.

Seeing the first pic I could not contemplate reconstruction.

Now seeing this pic I can see it was the cutting of the extra material along the back that I was looking at in the first set of pictures. Very nice job Steve.

Not even the same kilt but much nicer.
Will your Client be surprised, You bet Ch'a.
MrBill

[Pleater]

Oh wow - Kilt Resurection Unlimited.

That is looking good - though all that mare's nest of threads would worry me.

Human hair conditioner is quite useful for smoothing wool - more particularly knitted things, but also woven, if it has had the scales lifted by hot water. It can sometimes assist in loosening the fibres enough to allow the garment to be stretched out to what it was, or at least closer to it.

Another good thing is vinegar, as wool 'prefers' to be slightly acidic rather than in the alkaline state which detergent leaves it. 'Old wives' used to add a drop of white vinegar to the final rinse for wool. For a kilt it might require half a cup, or even more for a tank.