tartan patch for a TOS

[DWFII]

Can't help you with WPG, but I would use a sewing machine that can bind the edges (whip stitching). That would give a neat appearance, sort of coloured frame around the piece of tartan. Just a suggestion. BTW don't you just love having all those scraps of tartan lying around?

Do you think a serger would work?

[Carolina Kiltman]

Do you think a serger would work?

Having never owned nor used a serger, I cannae say. But from what (very) little I know about them should think so.

[Bigkahuna]

The Black Watch don't wear a tartan patch, just the red hackle.

[Nervous Jock]

The Black Watch don't wear a tartan patch, just the red hackle.

as part of RRS they do

[thescot]

[QUOTE=DWFII;656222]Thanks! Am I correct in assuming that it is actually cut a bit bigger and the edges folded under?

I have several military tams, and none of them are turned under. They are sewn quite well--with tight stitches--all around and allowed to fray a wee bit at the edges.

Do you have it sewn to your Tam O' Shanter (TOS) on three sides to allow for a sprig to be inserted?

Mine are all sewn on all four sides. The tam I own from the Royal Highland Fusiliers with the white hackle seems to be sewn pretty much right up to and over the wire.
. . .QUOTE]

You can check here for some premade regimental tartan backers: http://onlinemilitaria.net/shopexd.asp?id=1759&bc=no (You'll have to pull down the list to see what all is available.)

If you just want something non-regimental in your own tartan, just cut it out such that you show all the stripes well and sew it on.

[thescot]

Thinking more about this....

So what do you do if you are wearing the TOS more or less as a civilian bonnet (as many do) and have no regiment?

I wear mine a lot in civilian attire (since I am a civilian), but I don't wear the regimental badge--except for the 92nd of Foot on a Gordon backer or the 93rd of Foot on a Governmental tartan backer. Niether has been around snce 1881. I have one tam with no backer--formerly from the Blackwatch--on which I wear an EGA of the Marine Crops.

I think the main thing is to show respect for the regiments and not try to look like a veteran of something you aren't a veteran of. Or a little boy playing army.

I served in an American unit that didn't have a regimental hackle, or at least I was never aware of one. I'd like to wear my wings and unit "badge" on my TOS not only to show my respect but because I'm proud to have served (and because I'm an old cob and that's what old cobs do). I don't think it violates any rules of etiquette or decorum but...no regimental hackle.

Wear it. We'd like to see it when you get it on, too. I konw lots of folks who wear pins and such. I alternate between military, clan, and masonic badges on m bonnets and tams depending on how the mood strikes me.
Wouldn't a sprig be appropriate under the circumstances?

I have a couple of badges I use on bonnets and tams.


This is similar to the one I have, but mine is solid silver and smooth.


I owe Derek a thanks for finding this one for me. It's being shipped as I write this.

[macwilkin]

Thinking more about this....

So what do you do if you are wearing the TOS more or less as a civilian bonnet (as many do) and have no regiment?

I served in an American unit that didn't have a regimental hackle, or at least I was never aware of one. I'd like to wear my wings and unit "badge" on my TOS not only to show my respect but because I'm proud to have served (and because I'm an old cob and that's what old cobs do). I don't think it violates any rules of etiquette or decorum but...no regimental hackle.

Wouldn't a sprig be appropriate under the circumstances?

Yes, a plant badge sprig would be fine, as you are modifying the bonnet anyway into "mufti" headwear...

T.

[1MUNK3]

Hello,
On my M.O.D. T.O.S (made by A. & J. Gelfer limited Glasgow 1952) for the 79th Cameron Highlanders, the tartan flash badge backing measured in inches : 3" width across and 3" width up down. Tartan is of course Cameron of Erracht. The tartan flash is cut so the yellow line forms a cross dead center and is flanked on both sides by the red stripes. The Cameron Regimental badge is then secured in center through tartan flash and T.O.S. by a cotter pin. The tartan badge backing appears to be finished off on all four sides. I know yours may be different , but just wanted to give you specifics of the one I posses if you are trying to recreate a Regimental spec issued T.O.S. . I hope this helps. Good luck. Oh, I did see that W.P.G. does carry Regimental Tartan Badge backings for many of the proud regiments at $5- U.S. .
Index of Abbreviations:
M.O.D. = Ministry of Defence
T.O.S. = Tam 'O' Shanter
W.P.G. = What Price Glory