Where to find Tartan material?

**kiltedcossack** · 7th January 07, 09:43 PM

It doesn't need to be wool, though, obviously, that would be best - but Polyviscose or SWK-style acrylic would be good, too.
Also - I could really use a good diagram/pattern/whathaveyou to make a box-pleat kilt.

My thanks, in advance

**Tattoo Bradley** · 7th January 07, 09:57 PM

Marton Mills is where Rocky gets their PV tartan from. It's the balmoral 11 oz. stuff.

Maybe, I'm just unmotivated, lazy, or just realize fabric is not my bag. But, I just let the masters sew that stuff up for me.

**Splash_4** · 8th January 07, 04:44 AM

I agree with Brad.... Putting sharp stuff in my hands is like giving gasoline and matches to a two year old! Those that can sew amaze me.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 8th January 07, 04:52 AM

http://giftshop.scottishtartans.org/material.html

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 8th January 07, 07:02 AM

If your just looking for some material to practice with but not spend a lot, try Wal-mart, Joanne's, or other fabric/sewing stores. Especially the clearance racks.

**kiltedcossack** · 8th January 07, 02:29 PM

Well, I'll tell you - I do want to practice, specifically, I want to practice making box-pleated kilts. Eventually, I'd like to start making my own, especially in the heavier weight wool. It seems to me to be very difficult to find box-pleats, especially in my size, plus, there are some other things I'd like to do with the material.
Thanks, y'all.

**JimB** · 8th January 07, 02:37 PM

For beginning kilt makers I would definitely recommend using fabric store material. You can make some dandy looking kilts for not very much and this material will give you practice without fear of ruining $80 per yard tartan.

A lot of times you can find tartan knock-offs by looking on the internet for wool plaid.

**MacWage** · 8th January 07, 05:30 PM

For a FIRST kilt (only), I'd use a good heavy wool of the the hardest (least fuzzy) face, so as to simulate as much as possible the "feel" of working with worsted wool. Tartan is actually the best stuff to use. It is actually MUCH easier to deal with in making a handsewn kilt than ANYTHING else.

I'd also call The Scottish Weaver (in Charlotte, North Carolina, US) and ask what clearance worsted he has (if any). He HAD some Kelly of Sleat (in 2 different tartans) in 14 oz for a good deal, from an overorder. There MAY be some left still.