Tartan Weight.... differnt question!

[Gilvray]

Just a quick one.... (some of you may know already)

I've obtained 8 yards of 10oz and plan to make my kilt... I've had lots of great support emails from other XMarkers (Thanks!) but one question I wanted to raise was some comments I've seen that 10oz is too light for a mans kilt.

Whats the general opinion?

And if it is a bit on the wee side - how can I make it heavier? (besides lead weights...)

[sydnie7]

I recently finished hand-sewing a knife-pleat kilt from a lighter weight tartan (not sure of the exact weight). This one was pleated to stripe and I had enough material to make each pleat double-deep, that is, I pleated to every other stripe. That puts a LOT of material into the pleated area and helps a lighter-weight tartan "swing" more like a medium weight.

Although I didn't feel the need, you could also double the material n the under apron to provide more, err, coverage in the unpleated area.

Good luck and have fun with it! (Mine's shown here BTW)

[george7]

Depleted uranium works much the same way as lead, as far as adding weight is concerned. Is this a first DIY kilt? If so, you'll probably make a second and third... order the heavier fabric then.

[Barb T]

You can make a kilt from 10 oz, but it flaps around a bit instead of swinging firmly, and it wrinkles really easily. Can't do anything to make it heavier.

[Pleater]

Use the fabric doubled and make a 4 yard box pleated kilt?

Anne the Pleater

[Gilvray]

Well I think I'm gonna just gonna have a go - I like the idea of making the under apron thicker and I've still got to figure out how many pleats I'll be getting in there.... (5" 1/4 sett)

I'm reading your book Barb, as fast as I can, and so once I'm though I've got to start having a go... the good news is my mother-in-law is a seamstress and she's offered her help with sewing technique and any advice! she even offered to help...

Yes if I could have chosen the weight I'd have gone heavier - 16 pref - but as it was only £50 for the 8yrds - and its the rarer 'ancient hunting' I couldnt let it pass me by! Now all I've got to do is find the 16oz Ancient Hunting MacGillivray Muted and I'm in heaven! Oh - now thats the Tartan for me!!!!

I once saw a 7 inch sample, in Hector Russell on the banks of Loch Ness 8 years ago and have struggled to get a glimpse ever since... its a special mill job because its so far from the beaten track.... $£Cha-Ching£$

[Gilvray]

The 10oz is all I could get - from an ebay seller with old stock from a mill or kiltmakers up in Scotland. As it was £50 for the material I couldnt let it pass - could I!

I think the doubling on the under apron will have to do - and I'll avoid windy nights - well maybe not! (wicked grin!)

[Highlander31]

Good luck with your first kilt. Looking forward to seeing the photos when it's finished.

[Smayniac]

The 10oz is all I could get - from an ebay seller with old stock from a mill or kiltmakers up in Scotland. As it was £50 for the material I couldnt let it pass - could I!

I bought my 13oz MacBeth remnant for much the same reason, six metres of double wide for $120 was too good to pass up.

Bob