There seems to be two main variants, one where the first part of the plaid put on is spread around the left shoulder, with the arm beneath it and the pleats spread out and the short edge up in front so the fringe is laid on top of the fabric beneath, in a sort of cascade.

The rest of the plaid is then wrapped around and goes over the shoulder to the back, and needs to be held with a broach or pin or the first part would migrate backwards and the pleats drop out.

The second way has the first part of the plaid falling forward from the shoulder, so the left arm is free. The folds are made on the line of the fabric not cascading. The fabric then goes around the body and the second part lies over the first and falls down the back.

I wear a long plaid in the second way when I am drumming. I have a side drum which I play for morris dancing. I hold the two layers of the plaid with a cord, as it is difficult to manage all the straps of the drum, sometimes be walking around after the dancers and to keep the plaid in place. If it decides to slide out from under the shoulder strap of the drum it is uncomfirtable and really gets in the way.

I fold the plaid into a zigzag, so the top edge is on the outside of my shoulder and the lower edge is against my neck. If I am cold it is easy to reach around my back to draw the lower edge over my right shoulder, then spread the front part and bring my left arm beneath it.

When I am going to be needed all day and having to work to a timetable so I can't delay until a shower passes or not be there because it is cold, the long plaid is very useful indeed.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: