The Highly Skilled Art of Kiltmaking
The art of kiltmaking involves more than sewing together the cloth. The huge length of cloth, between 8 and 11 yards depending on the size of the man, must be pleated to look like a plain piece of tartan. The kilt is made with two overlapping aprons of plain tartan on the front, while the material is pleated all round the back to give the same appearance as the plain tartan in front.
The ‘sett’, the pattern repeat, varies from tartan to tartan: the sett on the tartan for a child’s kilt may be 3.5″, on a woman’s 5.5″, on a man’s 6.5″, so folding needs great care and planning.
The quality of a kilt lies in the depth of the pleat.
In addition to matching the pattern, the kilt must follow the contours of the body so that when it is worn it hangs straight with no sagging at the back.
Made by Hand
- Once pleated, the cloth is hand-sewn, then the extra cloth at the back is cut away.
- Binding is put on to strengthen the structure, then heavy canvas, and extra strengthening is stitched round areas of strain where the belt and buckle are.
- The straps are stitched on by hand, and a black lining and quality buckles are added.
- The fringing down the front edge is usually double but can be triple.
Medium Weight and Heavy Weight
Medium Weight
A crisper handling medium weight kilt fabric, a speciality for kilts, traditional trews or for a more casual approach to kilts. Available in a collection of over 200 stock supported tartans; we aim to ensure all are in stock or in the process of being made to replenish stocks.
- Composition: 100% Pure New Wool
- Weight: 400/410gms per metre (13oz per linear yard)
- Width: 140cm (54″)
- Care: Dry or Steam Clean Only
Heavy Weight
Our heavy weight kilt fabric is firm and durable, has an excellent swing and is ideal for kilts and has also been used to great effect in many other applications. Considered by many to be the premium kilt fabric, it is available in a collection of over 500 stock supported tartans; we aim to ensure all are in stock or in the process of being made to replenish stocks.
- Composition: 100% Pure New Wool
- Weight: 490/500gms per metre (16oz per linear yard)
- Width: 140cm (54″)
- Care: Dry or Steam Clean Only
To Arrange a Fitting or for Any Other Enquiries
Please call on 01224 636 421 or email us at david@mainshighlandwear.co.uk