Bravehearts' Kilt Forum

Re: A minor critiwm of "The Art of Kilt Making".

Posted By: r.m.anderson (71-36-135-104.mpls.qwest.net)
Date: 9/24/09 01:56

In Response To: A minor critiwm of "The Art of Kilt Making". (Doc Hudson)

Hey Doc:

You could be on to something.

Drinking and Reading!

The 2nd edition cleared up a few minor errors - but for the most part you
are correct. If you read; you have to understand as you say "Tailor".
The book fortunately has lots of graphics and illustrations to convey the
"Tailor" language.
After you browse through the book; one will have an understanding of a
cheap kilt made cheaply and the art of making a tank that will endure the test
of time. One will appreciate the time and labor that goes into making the
8 yard kilt with pleats set to the sett or stripe suitable for the military
and formal events versus the minimal 4 yard kilt suitable for lounging on the
beach.

This thread (post) started off with a question of 'Tartan Weight' which to
answer:

""Tartan for kilts is woven in 100% wool in a number of types and weights.""

The two pages in the book (2nd edition sprial bound); 43 & 44 start with
Ultra heavy weight (regimental) worsted 21 oz per yard - then on to
Heavy weight worsted 16 oz per yard -
Medium weight worsted 13 oz per yard -
Light-medium weight worsted 11-12 oz per yard -
Light weight worsted 10-11 oz per yard

The book does not define exactly how the weight is determined; but presumably
the more worsted type of wool used will cause an increase in the weight.
Heavy weight wool is used in military and formal type kilts. Medium weight
wool is used in everyday casual kilts and marching pipe bands. And the lighter
weight wool is used in clothing such as womens kilted skirts, dancers highland
dress and childrens kilted outfits.
Saxony wool different from worsted wool does not hold up well for making kilts.
It is easy to note because of the bargain (cheap) price compared to the worsted
wool.
Another material which is not weight rated is acrylic (or polyester) used in a
great many inexpensive kilts. They may use a yardage measurement same as a
wool kilt but these kilts when weighed are a great deal lighter in comparison.

So why weight?
It is just the amount of material used in crafting a kilt.
To achieve the balanced swinging action in the pleated area of the kilt more
material of medium to heavy weight is required. You will not find that in
the low end economy kilts.

The more you read (and for Doc; drink) as well as google the more you can
learn about the kilt. Barb Tewksbury's book "The Art of Kilt Making" while
complex is still the best one out there to appreciate how a kilt is made!
The pictures; diagrams and illustrations are truly worth a thousand words!

"Kilt-On"
rm

Messages In This Thread

Tartan Weight -- Dave (host86-148-194-11.range86-148.btcentralplus.com) -- 9/23/09 16:38

Re: Tartan Weight -- Sylvain (dsl-98-143-211-42.cooptel.qc.ca) -- 9/23/09 17:56

Re: Tartan Weight -- r.m.anderson (71-36-135-104.mpls.qwest.net) -- 9/23/09 20:59

A minor critiwm of "The Art of Kilt Making". -- Doc Hudson (99-195-158-100.dyn.centurytel.net) -- 9/23/09 23:52

Re: A minor critiwm of "The Art of Kilt Making". -- r.m.anderson (71-36-135-104.mpls.qwest.net) -- 9/24/09 01:56

Tartan weights -- Dave (host86-148-194-11.range86-148.btcentralplus.com) -- 9/25/09 06:18

Re: Tartan weights -- r.m.anderson (71-36-135-104.mpls.qwest.net) -- 9/30/09 02:29

Re: Tartan weights -- Dave (host217-42-160-114.range217-42.btcentralplus.com) -- 9/16/11 18:59

Re: Tartan weights -- r.m.anderson (184-97-147-180.mpls.qwest.net) -- 9/16/11 23:11