Wrapping the Braveheart kilt

[Calgacus]

It just makes no sense to me that someone would think it more practical to use more yardage of modern kilt fabric when a single blanket works so well.

The example we have of two lengths of single width fabric joined together are fairly recent. Even Peter who wrote the articles says that they are products of the post proscription revival era.

So if you don't mind I am going to continue to promote the matchcoat as the most practical and most historically documented example. At least until someone finds documentable proof of what a Great Kilt really was.

Promote what you like, but the evidence suggests otherwise. The Dunollie plaid dates from c.1730 which is Jacobite, not revival. It was originally 6 yards long, and made from two single widths stitched together. It is made from cloth akin to modern kilt material, not 'blanket' type cloth. The Nethybridge plaid, to quote Peter, "would probably have been approximately 4 yards in length x55 inches wide", and is again made of hard tartan akin to modern kilt material. It dates from 1730-1770, so Jacobite or just after proscription ended, but pre-revival however you look at it.

Matchcoats may work just great and may be far more sensible than a 6 yard feileadh mòr, but there's solid evidence for the latter and zero for the former in 18th century Scotland.

[jhockin]

You will require approximately 9 yards of single width fabric cut in half & stitched together to make a piece of cloth roughly 4.5 yards by 2 yards. Or alternatively, approximately 4.5 yards of double width fabric.

I think that you meant to say: ' 9 yes of single width, cut in half, Lenght wise...'? ( not width wise) in other words , about 4 1/2 yes once sewn together?

[Calgacus]

I think that you meant to say: ' 9 yes of single width, cut in half, Lenght wise...'? ( not width wise) in other words , about 4 1/2 yes once sewn together?

No, I simply said 9 yards cut in half. Besides, "9 yards cut in half length wise" suggests to me cutting it into two pieces 9 yards long, which is the opposite of what I realise you intended.

[Pleater]

The kilts in Braveheart are not the great kilt but something strange and new.

They look like a 'small kilt' - that is a modern one BUT with the aprons reversed, so the apron on the right side is uppermost and it is also extended so it goes across to the left hip and then is rolled or folded and turned through 90 degrees so it can be held under the belt as it goes up and over the left shoulder.

I suggest that the kilt is made with a band on the inside (I use military style webbing) to which the fabric is attached - starting at the right hip with the under apron, then simple untailored pleats and then a strong fastening on the webbing so there is a firm foundation to the costume. The over apron and extension can then have the turn and folds created and sewn in at the point where it goes under the belt, so the kilt is buckled on, the extension thrown over the shoulder and belt fastened over all to hold it in place. Belt loops might be an idea so that the belts do not become separated - or pierce the belt and fix it at each end of the row of pleats with a loop of cord to the waistband, which can also be used to hang it up.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: