Pipers & Drummers Plaid instructions

[Nate Brown]

Hello,
I was wondering if anyone might point me to some instructions/specs on making pipers and drummers plaids. I have found a couple of vague guides, but something with a little (or a lot) more specificity would be appreciated. Thanks a ton.

Nate

[creagdhubh]

Hello,

I believe this topic has been discussed (in great detail) before on the forum. I encourage you to utilise the 'search' feature, which will allow you to peruse various threads and posts on XMTS that specifically relate to your query.

Best of luck,

[Nate Brown]

Hello,

I believe this topic has been discussed (in great detail) before on the forum. I encourage you to utilise the 'search' feature, which will allow you to peruse various threads and posts on XMTS that specifically relate to your query.

Best of luck,

I must respectfully disagree that the MAKING of a "Pipers Plaid" or "Drummers Plaid" has been discussed in great detail on this forum. Previous to posting, I did utilize the search function. A search using the keywords "plaid making" returns 287 posts. There are many posts on how to wear a plaid, but none of which discuss the specific process to make a Piper or Drummer Plaid. The closest reference I did find was at http://www.eyrewaves.co.uk/pipingpages/plaid.asp . It would seem that there is not a whole lot of info out there on making a Pipers Plaid. I am motivated, and I will make an attempt of my own to rectify this in the near future. Cheers.

Nate

[sydnie7]

Searching here is tricky, you almost have to know the answer in advance. . . try "purling" and you get results such as

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...s-plaid-71454/

which includes a link to a tutorial on the topic, discussion of gadgets to make it easier, etc. I assume you are looking specifically for instructions on the fringing process -- if not, try some related terms and see what else comes up.

FWIW, when I suggest somebody uses the search function, I try to provide some add'l hints and maybe even one of the results vs. just saying "search" as I know how frustrating and ineffective a process it can be.

[creagdhubh]

FWIW, when I suggest somebody uses the search function, I try to provide some add'l hints and maybe even one of the results vs. just saying "search" as I know how frustrating and ineffective a process it can be.

Sydnie,

Apologies! Every time I have used the 'search' feature on the forum for particular topics/issues in which I am keen, it has always worked rather well for me. I suppose it really depends on what you are 'searching' for. I meant no disrespect to Nate in any way, only a friendly suggestion, that's all.

Cheers,

[Ryan Ross]

You folks don't suppose the OP is looking for instructions on how to make the sort of pleated, across-the-chest plaid that drummers and pipers wear now, do you?

Because if that's so, there's a good deal more involved in making one than just the fringe.

The unpleated equivalent would more properly be called a "day plaid", I believe.

[sydnie7]

You folks don't suppose the OP is looking for instructions on how to make the sort of pleated, across-the-chest plaid that drummers and pipers wear now, do you?

Because if that's so, there's a good deal more involved in making one than just the fringe.

The unpleated equivalent would more properly be called a "day plaid", I believe.

Which is why I included "I assume you are looking specifically for instructions on the fringing process -- if not, try some related terms and see what else comes up" in my post. OP's question is not as specific as it could be, we're just throwing ideas out to see which one sticks.

[Reminds me of the "how to tell if spaghetti is done" instructions I read years ago -- throw a string against the kitchen wall, if it sticks it's done, if it doesn't stick it will fall behind the stove and nobody will ever know. . . OK, back to kilts now!]

[Nate Brown]

You folks don't suppose the OP is looking for instructions on how to make the sort of pleated, across-the-chest plaid that drummers and pipers wear now, do you?

Because if that's so, there's a good deal more involved in making one than just the fringe.

The unpleated equivalent would more properly be called a "day plaid", I believe.

Bingo! Yes, I am specifically looking to make both Pipers Plaids and Drummers Plaids. Truth be told I think the edge purling may be the least complicated part of it.

OK, since there does not seem to be specific specs on Piper Plaid construction, I am going to have to reverse engineer one. I have two Pipers Plaids and one Drummers plaids on hand in order to copy. After taking measurements and drawing out schematics, I have come to the conclusion that the Drummers plaid will be more difficult. The two pipers plaids are different lengths, the first being 137" long (not including fringe) and the other being 119" long. The 137" one was made for me (6'3" tall) , and the other one was made for a shorter guy. Both plaids were made at the exact same time by J.Higgins. My first hurdle is trying to determine how long to make the plaid. It would seem that there could easily be some thumb rules based on how tall a person is. I know a 4 yard length is pretty close for me, but that might be a bit too long for a guy that is 6" shorter, and perhaps a bit thinner than myself. My first thought is to simply wrap a tape measure around the person and try to come up with an approximate length based on how I know a pipers plaid is tied, then once the plaid is basted and ironed, it could be tied onto the subject and shortened by a few inches if needed. Thats what I have so far. Any thoughts are appreciated. Cheers.
Nate

[sydnie7]

You've seen this site?

[Nate Brown]

You've seen this site?

Yes, I have seen that site. In fact that page is the only place I've found anything related to construction of a pipers plaid. Since I am going to be making drummers plaids as well I need a bit more of a tutorial on this.