Plethora of Pleat Options - What do you think looks best?

**kiltedrennie** · 28th April 13, 11:40 AM

My copy of The Art of Kilt Making arrived yesterday <manly squee!> I was up late last night reading the first for chapters and took some photographs of possible pleating styles for my cheep-plain-weave-asymmetric-not-a-tartan wool fabric. I just cannot bring myself to attempt my first kilt project with $50/yd tartan. This was only $6/yd.

I don't think it's possible to pleat to the sett with this stuff. At least I wasn't able to figure it out.

Sorry about the quality of the fold and pics - it was midnight when I took them.

I'm pretty sure which I like best, but I'd like to get other opinions.

Pleat #1

Pleat #2

Pleat #3

Pleat #4

**artificer** · 28th April 13, 11:48 AM

#3 - pleated to the light blue stripe is my favorite with #1 (to the small black stripes) coming in a close second.

Can't wait to see WIPs!

ith:

**O'Searcaigh** · 28th April 13, 11:57 AM

Disregarding the lighting differences, I think I like the pattern in #1 best. I think the purple is a nicer effect as the "stripe" than the blue/green in #3 and it appears the pleats are a bit narrower than #4 (Barb's rule of pleats of not less than 1/2 inch nor more than 1 inch really works!). Number 4 also stresses the horizontal rather than vertical pattern. I like verticality in the pleat effect (unless pleated to the sett). Anyway -- there's my opinion, not worth the paper this is written on

You are wise to practice on "other" (not $50.00/yd wool). I have made several heavy cotton kilts, (one denim and two "tartan' (symmetrical plaid) -- from upholstery material) and the last one I made using Barb's book turned out really well -- mostly due to her instructions rather than any inherent abilities of mine. Have fun.

**Aspiringloser** · 28th April 13, 01:24 PM

I like the effect of #3.

**California Highlander** · 28th April 13, 01:33 PM

I like #1. It shows off the purple, but without the bright blue dominating.

**Elizabeth** · 28th April 13, 02:32 PM

The two girls here like the same ones in the same order, #3 and then #1.

**sydnie7** · 28th April 13, 05:22 PM

No reason that you couldn't pleat to the sett.

In #1, you may not have enough room to taper without losing one of the fine black stripes (don't know how much taper you plan). #3 doesn't look as if it would present that issue for a "typical" taper.