Some pleating examples

[AJBryant]

Thanks, Steve. That's brilliant.

I'm dittoing the "this should be a sticky" sentiment. Also dittoing Artificer's bit about this being useful for "the newly unbifurcated" (I love that!), but adding that it's also useful as HELL for the long-time (or the occasionally) unbifurcated. Seeing the actual effect on fabric, right next to each other like that, is more useful than any number of carefully drawn diagrams.

I can see why a simple box pleat can be a good thing -- it may not have the flash and whooptie-doo of an 8-yard knife-pleated kilt, but you don't always have to be about the flash. Sometimes, you just want to WEAR a bloody kilt.

Again, thanks. Dang.

[Marshall]

Thanks Steve! I purchased a Royal Regiment of Scotland kilt from Bugpiper and was unaware that the "military box pleat" was what was represented. I knew the pleating wasn't knife or box, but was baffled by what I saw. While I'd seen the term "military box pleating" I didn't know visually what that was. Now I know because of your photos. Thanks again.

[David Thorpe]

Well done indeed, Steve. Thanks for making it crystal clear.

[ring0]

Steve, is this 11 ounce Marton Mills PV folded double so that it is effectively 22 ounces? If so, would it make sense to make a four yard box pleat kilt that way?

[Steve Ashton]

ringO,

I'm sorry but this is 16oz wool with a small fold just to give it some extra thickness so the folds in the fabric would show up well in the photos.
I took a strip which is from the middle of the fabric and sometimes left over when you make a kilt.
The strip is only about 10" wide. I also ironed a white stripe right on the edge of the fabric. What would be the hem of a kilt. I can't think of anytime when a kilt would be made with a prominent stripe right on the hem.

Simply doubling fabric over to make two layers does not work. The two layers fight against themselves. One pleat will not stay in the fold of the other layer. Sorry.

[MNlad]

Great examples. Far superior to any line drawings. I think I see a box pleat in my future—the visual impact and depth using a tartan is striking compared to the solid color fabric in my X-kilt.

[knotty]

Certainly illustrated the amount of cloth used & the thickness reacted wit the various pleat options.

I agree this sould be a "sticky" as well.

Do you offer a double box pleat option with your kilts?

[Riverkilt]

Sticky Sticky Sticky! This is soooo much better to see than the confusing words or sketch attempts. Thank You!

[Elizabeth]

As newbie I really appreciate this post to visualize what I am reading about here. Thank you!