Pleating and tartan comparisons

**Barb T** · 18th September 08, 05:10 AM

I thought it might be useful to post pictures of three kilts in variants of the same tartan (modern, ancient, and weathered). The neat thing about these three kilts is that they are also pleated differently - one to the sett, one to the stripe, and one to (as you guys say) the "no stripe". So, here they are. It's also interesting to see that the three kilts have quite different pleat tapers and apron shapes. It's a nice illustration of the fact that a custom kilt is made to fit the measurements of a particular person by tapering the pleats and shaping the edge of the apron. All three are 16 oz.

[For those of you who are newbies, the white stitching in the first kilt is the basting that I leave in for shipping so that the pleats don't get messed up in the box.]

Modern Douglas, pleated to the sett:

Ancient Douglas, pleated to the "no stripe" (technically, this is also pleated to the stripe, but each pleat is in a solid color block, hence the informal "no stripe"):

Weathered Douglas, pleated to the white stripe:

**ardchoille** · 18th September 08, 06:25 AM

Very interesting pics, thanks for posting them. I know how it works the way it does, but I'm still amazed at the difference in appearance between the front and back in a kilt that is pleated to stripe.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 18th September 08, 08:52 AM

Now you have done it! I'm like the proverbial donkey found dead between two piles of fodder, couldn't make up its mind as to which pile to eat first. . . . . I guess I'll just have to do three kilts in the same tartan

**fudgeman** · 18th September 08, 09:14 AM

Very nice comparison for us "novice kilties" to better understand the differences. Thanks.

**Tommy Hunt** · 18th September 08, 01:20 PM

Wow! I didn't even know you could pleat to no stripe. Excellent example Barb!

**Highlander31** · 19th September 08, 05:57 AM

Nice Barb. I also noticed one kilt has two straps/buckles, one with belt loops, and two have three straps/buckles. You pretty much covered it all in only three photos.

**Barb T** · 19th September 08, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by Highlander31

Nice Barb. I also noticed one kilt has two straps/buckles, one with belt loops, and two have three straps/buckles. You pretty much covered it all in only three photos.

Yup - different people have different preferences!

**Ozman1944** · 19th September 08, 07:00 AM

Whenever I see pleated to the stripe I always imagine a big Biker Dude asking his wife:; "Honey, does this make my butt look big?".

But I like them both ways, as they do give each kilt a different look altogether.

billmcc · 19th September 08, 07:03 AM

Good examples of color variations and pleating options. Thank you for sharing your pictures, Barb.

Have you done a kilt in the Douglas Grey tartan?

**Barb T** · 19th September 08, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by billmcc

Have you done a kilt in the Douglas Grey tartan?

I made one several years ago for piper Andrew Douglas (if you're a piper, you know who he is - played for SFU and is now pipe major of Oran Mor). I never did take a picture of it. But will see him this weekend at the NH Highland Games. If he has it with him, I'll grab a pic - would be a nice addition to the set of photos.