How do I Make Flashes from Kilt Material?

[turpin]

I made a set of flashes to go with the last kilt I made. It wasn't as hard as I'd expected.

I cut a strip a little over twice as wide as I wanted each individual strip to be - with the desired stripe centered - folded them in half, and sewed it together along the long open side. Turned it inside out (sew that the stitching would be inside) centered the stripe, and pressed.

After pressing, I folded the top over the appropriate amount, and sewed it down to form the loop. I then cut the upside down v-shape out of the bottom and slid them onto the velcro. They're working great for me, but I'm trying to decide what I would do slightly different next time.

I have some that came from the kiltmaker like this, and plan to use them as a go-by. The only thing different from what Chasem describes is that it looks like the folded-over end was also sewn shut prior to turning the seams inside and folding over the garter loop. If you can use a sewing machine on straight stitch the whole operation should take less than 45 minutes from cut to done. Sewing by hand would obviously take longer but would also work. Don't forget that when you sew the garter loops you also sew two flashes together at that same place.

[Rick]

I made a set of flashes to go with the last kilt I made. It wasn't as hard as I'd expected.

I cut a strip a little over twice as wide as I wanted each individual strip to be - with the desired stripe centered - folded them in half, and sewed it together along the long open side. Turned it inside out (sew that the stitching would be inside) centered the stripe, and pressed.

After pressing, I folded the top over the appropriate amount, and sewed it down to form the loop. I then cut the upside down v-shape out of the bottom and slid them onto the velcro. They're working great for me, but I'm trying to decide what I would do slightly different next time.

For lighter weight fabric flashes, I sew two pieces of fabric together, wrong side out. Then, I turn them right side out. This places the hem lines at the edges, when pressing. I then cut them straight across the bottom and fringe the fabric about 1/4 inch using a seam ripper. Finally, I top stitch just above the fringe to keep the fringe from growing longer.

Rick

[Warlock]

Excellent instructions. I'm inspired to make my own.

[MacWage]

I make my own flahes (in fact I have never BOUGHT ANY!), and I use mostly a ribbon, whether a grosgrain or a woven ribbon. My favorite reenactment store sells 1.25/1.5 inch woven ribbon in cotton and wool (out right now, but about to get some from a new source). In a grograin one, I use a lighter to singe (sp?) the cut portion. Most grosgrain is plastic based, so melting the edge works well and is quick, clean, and permenant. In a woven one, I either cut straght let it unravel for an inch or so (then use stop fray) or cut the |/\| and use fray stop for a non-ruffed end.
This thread was on tartan ones, which I have not made. But, instructions for solid ones were given anyways. I personally prefer solid ones in a kilt color (usually a stripe tone) or one that coordinates (but doesn't match), like yellow or red with a Black Watch.

Now, back to topic at hand:
As for tartan ones, there are several ways to do it. Several are described above. Mr. Thompson's "So You Going to Wear the Kilt" has a section in the apppendices on making one that should look REAL nice, but is more complicated.
These appendices are WELL worth the $10-15 for a copy! They are the bases of MANY projects mentioned on this forum.

[Navyguy]

If you have enough fabric, try a couple things and seewhat works. I don't feel that flashes are that important anyway.

[PiobBear]

My favorite reenactment store sells 1.25/1.5 inch woven ribbon in cotton and wool (out right now, but about to get some from a new source).

Who? Where?

[MacWage]

Who? Where?

Once again (I do NOT work there or for them, just an old customer):

http://www.96districtstorehouse.com/
96 District Storehouse
111 Trinity St.
Abbeville, SC 29620
864-366-9600
sales@96districtstorehouse.com

You need to call and talk to Dennis or Peggy. Tell them Wages sent ya.
They also have REAL horsehair canvas for a GREAT price and a 100% wool in Wallace tartan, one in Black Watch, and a few more (NOT worsted!). That is were I got most all of the material for my non-worsted, non-PV kilts (they are 100% wool "saxony").