How to pleat this tartan?

[davedove]

It wouldn't suprise me if with research it was found that pleating to sett or stripe came from royalty somewhere in efforts to differentiate themselves from the commoners.

You would have to ask the historians on the board here for who really started pleating in set ways, if anyone even knows. Since for a long time the only people wearing kilts were the military regiments, it probably started with them.

[Caradoc]

I once saw a guide to putting on a great kilt. It was old, and based on one of the earlier kilt texts. It made no mention of sett or stripe, just to pleat it as a means to wear that much fabric comfortably. The great kilt was used as a blanket/rain gear/tent/anything you can use a whole lot of woll for.

That's pretty much exactly what the great kilt was - it was a cloak, a mantle, a tent, a sleeping bag, etc.

If you Google for the "Quick and Dirty Great Kilt," you'll find my old document on how to do it. I've never gotten around to taking pictures of it, though.

Matt Newsome's website reviews include a review of mine, albeit an older review - I made some changes after he reviewed it.

I've gone "camping" for a week at a time with only what I can carry in the sporran and a shoulder satchel, and the breacan feile/great kilt or "belted plaid" is one of the most versatile garments I've ever worn.

[Angus]

I remember reading somewhere (internet) that there was one perticualr tartan that had a 40" repeat of the sett.I guess that it was so you wouldnt waiste the money for the differnt yarns to make stripes that wouldnt be seen anyway in the pleats/folds of your plaid.

I dont know how reliable this "memory" of mine is but I'm sure if anyone can answer this question about pleating and such it would be Matt Newsome.

Caradoc- glad to hear someone else has taken the GK from the faire to the backwoods. I'm proud of you.....

I forgot to cast my vote. Pleated to sett would look very good with this one. Good luck......

[Caradoc]

I remember reading somewhere (internet) that there was one perticualr tartan that had a 40" repeat of the sett.

I, too, have heard this.

As to the original question, I'm thinking a pleat to the sett would be very, very nice. It's a gorgeous tartan, and it's a shame to hide any of it in the pleats.

[pdcorlis]

If Rocky is making you a Semi-Traditional keep in mind there a few limitations on pleating since they are unlined and excess fabric can't be cut out at the waist and hip. If I'm understanding Rocky - the pleat to that stripe he suggests will result in the back of the kilt looking lighter than if its pleated to "your" stripe or to the sett - that might be worth thinking about.

In the end - I know this isn't about "trusting" Rocky and Kelly but lets face it they build great kilts all day every day.

[ronstew]

It's a Casual, pdcorlis. But anyway:

I have been persuaded into pleating to the sett. I have send Rocky that instruction. Now all I have to do is wait impatiently.

[pdcorlis]

Thanks Ronstew - sorry for not reading more carefully!

[Alan H]

I'd go for Sett on this one....looks like you did, too.