Question about yardage-

[NorCalPiper]

So if you want to make an 8 yard tank-Do you get 8 yards of 61 X 61 tartan fabric, or just 4 since it is "Double Width"-thanks guys

[Bugbear]

As I understand it, from much reading, it is four yards of the double width fabric.

[The Wizard of BC]

If your fabric comes double-width, or 54" to 60" wide, you only buy 4 linear yards.

But ask first as some Tartan fabric comes double-width and some single-width.

[Splash_4]

As I understand it, from much reading, it is four yards of the double width fabric.

It really depends on the tartan. For example, the Maple Leaf is asymmetrical and requires 8 yards... However, Ted is right on most of them,

[sydnie7]

As with asymmetrical tartans, there can also be individual variations due to "rump" size and the size of the tartan sett. Above-average rump, great big sett, pleated to sett would probably require more than the standard eight. Similarly, a smallish person and a small sett might require slightly less.

But generally speaking, yes, 4 yards of double-width or 8 yards of single-width.

[Bugbear]

It really depends on the tartan. For example, the Maple Leaf is asymmetrical and requires 8 yards... However, Ted is right on most of them,

Very true, and good point. Bear tartan is the same way, however, it is sold in single width form. That is, you get a eight yard lingth of thirty inch (aprox) fabric, and you don't have to worry about it.

[The Wizard of BC]

To best answer your question perhaps we should have asked which Tartan you intend to buy and what your Hip circumference is. Because everything that has been said is true.

[Barb T]

And most double width tartan isn't as wide as 61". Comes more like 56-58" wide.

[Pleater]

Usually a wool fabric is 54 inches wide, here in the UK.

Whenever I have found material that is 58 or even 60 inches wide it has some man made fibre - you can tell by dissolving the wool out in bleach - whatever is left after 24 hours in undiluted bleach is not wool.

Possibly the wool weavers have older looms, as maybe the profit on wool is less than other natural and man made fibres, but it always seems to be the case that wider fabrics are not all wool.

At least so far.

If buying from a knowlegeable source they should be able to advise you on the assymetrical tartans, but if you find a marked down bolt of something that looks nice it would be adviseable to look at it carefully to make certain that it will match when cut in half and rotated.

Another possible problem I have found with some material is that the selvages are not at the same place in the pattern, so one side would have to be hemmed to get the pattern to run continuously.

This was not a tartan, just a plaid pattern, and I noticed it and bought enough to make two kilts each one continuous length.

Anne the Pleater

[Bugbear]

You would think that asymmetrical tartans would regularly be offered in single width... I have know idea what is usual, though.