To the Stripe or the Sett, that is the Question?

[Freelancer]

Which style do you find the most pleasing? To my eye, to the sett tends to almost camouflage the pleating. And, when there is movement, I get a sort of ripped curtain type of impression. With kilt pleating, being such an integral aspect of a kilt, I find that pleating to the stripe enhances the the look of the pleats. That's just my opinion. Some however, find pleating to the sett very attractive and I'm curious about all opinions. So have at it....what's your preference?

[turpin]

I'm generally a stripe man, but there are some tartans where sett pleating gives a more pleasing appearance. Some will say that sett pleating is the true test of the kiltmaker's skill due to all the calculations and whatnot.

[chasem]

It really depends on the tartan for me. sounds like a cop out, but really...

There's a picture in TAoK of a hunting ross pleated to the stripe, which reveals lighter green when the pleats move... I'd love to have a kilt in that tartan/pleating because it looks great.

Some though, I don't think I'd like to own at all pleated to any stripe option... Black Stewart, for example. Love the tartan, I just don't like any of the pleating-to-the-stripe options for it. To my eye, to the sett looks much better with that tartan.

So, I don't have a definite. It just depends on the tartan.

[Bugbear]

I prefer my tartan pleated to the sett.

[chasem]

Also, Turpin, I've heard Barb say that she prefers to pleat to the sett rather than the stripe, as it's a pain to make sure the stripe is centered perfectly on every pleat. To the sett is a little more forgiving in that respect.

Granted, though, for reasons of calculating the pleats - number of and where to - I do agree with you there.

[McMurdo]

To me it all depends on the tartan, some tartans such as the Gordon looks wonderful pleated to the stripe. Others may not be as striking, so to me anyway I'd say each kilt must be planned out individually. Most of the time I'll take the word of the kilt maker as to stripe or sett. BTW both my kilts from Barb are done to the stripe.

[bricelythgoe]

I am glad someone brought this up. I have had 2 kilts, both being pleated to the sett. I have seen several kilts pleated to the stripe, and I think they look great! I am dying to get one. In fact, I am about to get an American Heritage casual from USAK. Just wondering what some of you think: Stripe or Sett?

[Rex_Tremende]

Given that I think I am pretty broad in the beam, so far I have elected to have all my kilts made to the sett. I fear the dreaded lawn chair effect. But I do agree with Chasem and Glen - it would probably depend on that tartan. I have been looking for one that, when pleated to the stripe, creates a strong vertical impression, and gives a little flash when in full swing.

Regards,
Rex.

[McMurdo]

Rex
The Gordon Highlander from WPG is like that


As is the Royal Naval Tartan as far as I'm concerned.

[Sammac]

My first two kilts are pleated to sett. My next one is being pleated to stripe. should have it in a couple more weeks.