Now that I've sewn the trad kilt pleats...how do I correctly eliminate the bulk?

[The Wizard of BC]

The terms we are using here are from Barb T.'s Book "The Art of Kiltmaking". The Stabilizer is a length of Cotton Broadcloth similar to bed sheeting.
The Interfacing is "Hair Canvas". I'm not sure what the British term is but it is not canvas in the sense of tent fabric but a specific tailors product made from horse hair or synthetic. It is stiffer in one direction than in the other. This allows it to bend around the waist but not develop puckers in the up and down direction.
Both of these are readily available but you have to be specific in nomenclature when asking for it.
Perhaps one of our UK members can come up with the proper British nomenclature for you.

[Paul Henry]

Hair canvas,is usually known as dressmakers canvas/hair canvas/jacket interfacing.... it's readily available here from places like John Lewis. it comes in narrow widths.
It's not be confused with the vilene type of interfacing.
As stabiliser , I tend to use pieces from old cotton/linen shirts, it's rather nice to think that there is a hidden piece of fabric inside every kilt.
Whereabouts in the UK are you?

[Downix]

For the kilt I made my son, I used a worn out pair of jeans for the interfacing.

[a Grant]

The idea of *something old* is great, I'll consider it. I'll be going into East Grinstead this week so will go to the fabric store there and they can advise me. We are restoring a 100 yr old Dutch barge in Kent.

[Barb T]

For the kilt I made my son, I used a worn out pair of jeans for the interfacing.

Just as an aside, I don't recommend this for a trad kilt. You're much better off investing a few $$ in true hair canvas, which is less flexible in one direction than another and _much_ easier to stitch.

[Tartan Hiker]

Just as an aside, I don't recommend this for a trad kilt. You're much better off investing a few $$ in true hair canvas, which is less flexible in one direction than another and _much_ easier to stitch.

I agree...I'd even be careful about this with a casual, washable hiking kilt because denim continues to shrink in one direction more than in the other, so with several washings you might get all kinds of puckers.

[Downix]

I agree...I'd even be careful about this with a casual, washable hiking kilt because denim continues to shrink in one direction more than in the other, so with several washings you might get all kinds of puckers.

So I am finding.... still taught me a lot about how to sew it. Ordered some proper Hair Canvas for the next one.

[a Grant]

Hair canvas it will be. Is there anything else I need to get while I am shopping in a fabric shop? I have some new cotton for the *other* layer. Thanks for all the suggestions, they are invaluable!!

[Paul Henry]

button thread , a non stretchy tape measure , stitch ripper,~( it really is useful)and it's worthwhile investing a good pair of shears, if you haven't already. But most things that are in a good sewing box should be enough

[a Grant]

This site is addictive!!! Will order proper interfacing from John Lewis to get the correct type. Again, many thanks!!