how many yards for my new kilt

**ChattanCat** · 11th January 09, 06:36 AM

Thanks Matt, always nice to start off the day reading about kilts and kilt history.

**Carolina Kiltman** · 12th January 09, 01:59 PM

I will only add my tuppence to say that machine sewn, if properly done is as durable as hand stitching. But if you do it properly when stictching down the fell, then it will take fully as much time as a skilled hand sewer will, and the cost would be right up then.

The only advantages of machine stitching over hand stitching are speed, evenness and tension of stitching (each stitch is the same) but unless locked in by back stitching, the machine stitch will unravel in a very short time. as some of our posts have reported

When stitching the fell, the amount of time consumed in moving the fabric and repositioning it is very time consuming (most fells are about 20mm (8") long, or less. Machine stitch is much faster when long seams are in order, and kilts do not have long seams (except as noted above, at the waistband.)

**Tartan Hiker** · 12th January 09, 07:52 PM

Since I just posted a mini-rant on this same topic in another thread...

I'm sold on the 4-yard box-pleat in 16 oz. fabric as the perfect kilt. It's not exactly balmy here in the mountains of North Carolina, and I can honestly say that I see very little difference in warmth between my 8-yards and my 4-yard boxes. Don't forget that both styles have exactly the same amount of material in the front half of the kilt...and that's the part where warmth is much more of an issue, anyway (

).

Wearing a 4-yarder is a pleasure. Sitting in one is a pleasure. Standing in one doesn't make you feel like you're wearing a fanny pack full of rocks. They look grand. You can make two for the price of one 8-yarder (if you do your own sewing that is). What's not to like about that?

These are all just my opinions and observations. As Matt said, one is no better nor worse than the other. It's all in what you think looks and feels right for you. Face it...if you were really that concerned about what others thought, you'd be wearing trousers and using tartan to line a suitcase or upholster your recliner.

**David Dubh** · 12th January 09, 08:30 PM

Thanks for the tip kilted hiker. It does get a little colder here -35c at times. As I said I saw a 5yard knife pleat that was not attractive but I'm thinking a 4-5 yard box pleat for more general wear, but I really love my 8 yard 16oz

**Tartan Hiker** · 13th January 09, 07:24 AM

I'm pretty sure that at -35 degrees there aren't many people who could tell a difference between 8 yards and 4 yards...all other variables taken into consideration. I think I'd opt for goose down quilted boxers at that temperature.

**piperdbh** · 13th January 09, 07:38 AM

Careful, Hiker.
Make sure you're not allergic to goose down before you try that option.
As it's supposed to be in the teens Thursday night, why don't you conduct an experiment? Wear an 8-yarder outside for an hour, then change into your 4-yarder and stay out for an hour, then post which one kept you warmer. I'm sure John Lee at WLOS would be interested in putting you on the evening news!

**Tartan Hiker** · 13th January 09, 09:08 AM

That's a deal! Will post an honest, scientifically valid and replicable report.

John Le might be interested, but I'm guessing he'll be occupied.

I think I might even borrow some of our portable temperature probes for this experiment. That will produce truly valid data.

Yeah...now you've started something...

**Howard Clark** · 13th January 09, 10:11 AM

When it is really cold, I wear the eight yard 16 oz. knife pleated kilt. I can be almost as warm in the 18 oz. four yard box pleat unless it is really windy, and often the two go together 'round here in the winter.

A good science experiment would be fun.

Of course "how warm it feels" is totally subjective. What the temperature really IS, is another question entirely, and may depend upon the placement of the sensing device.

**davedove** · 13th January 09, 11:34 AM

All the other factors are very much a matter of personal choice, but if what you're looking for is the swish, the simple answer is more material, more swish.

**Tartan Hiker** · 13th January 09, 11:59 AM

Originally Posted by Howard Clark

A good science experiment would be fun.

Of course "how warm it feels" is totally subjective. What the temperature really IS, is another question entirely, and may depend upon the placement of the sensing device.

Already got that part worked out. I have a unit that will measure temperatures in three different locations simultaneously, and have already planned out a holding device for each of them. Now I just need that 12 degree weather they are promising for Thursday night.

Stay tuned.