Guten tag!

I am seeking help with a new project, a drawstring secured belted plaid.

I have recently read through Matthew Newsome’s most excellent article, “Did the early belted plaid have a drawstring” and I have become extremely fascinated with the concept of using a drawstring to secure the belted plaid. So much so, that I am endeavouring to construct one from scratch just to see how it works. What I am hoping to find here are photos of drawstring kilts that others have made, and perhaps some advice on what and what not to do (materials are not cheap and mistakes are expensive). I have found that the best course of action is to do as much research as possible, before picking up the tools.

Any help will be appreciated.

Would anyone know if there were any photographs taken of the John Murray MacGregor plaid mentioned in the article, and if so where could they be viewed? Also, where could one find a copy of the article written by Jamie Scarlett?

A quote from Matthew Newsome’s article: “Did the early belted plaid have a drawstring”.

“One very practical solution to donning the belted plaid has recently come to the attention of Highland dress historians. In the collection of the Scottish Tartans Society is a belted plaid that was worn by Sir John Murray MacGregor of MacGregor on the occasion of King George IV's visit to Edinburgh in 1822. This plaid has small loops sewn into the inside waistline, at the rate of one loop for every repeat of the tartan pattern. (Note: According to an article written by Jamie Scarlett, the loops were sewn to the inside. According to conversation with Bob Martin, the loops are on the outside.) A cord was threaded through these loops, like a drawstring. The loops are then slid together along the cord, the cord is tied at the waist, the front aprons of the plaid are arranged, and an outer belt is put on the secure the whole thing. Viola! An easy and simple way to don the belted plaid.”

Tschüß!