[Walker_Kilt_Maker]

XMarksTheScot DYI'ers,
What is the best material to use to "stiffen" up the top part of a kilt? Sirdaniel1975's DYI #3: Macpherson Red instructions call out canvas. So, I used some canvas my wife had laying around, and it is almost too stiff. Is canvas the same a "cotton duck", or just "duck", or what should I really be using?

Thanks,
Marc W.

[Bugbear]

This is the hair canvas that Barb T tracked down and suggested a while back.
Heavy Weight Hymo - 72 - Natural - $9.95 B. Black And Sons Fabrics
It seems to have worked fine.

[The Wizard of BC]

Are you asking about the Stabilizer that is sewn inside the Kilt spanning from one Buckle across the back to the other buckle to take the strain off the pleat stitching.....
or the interfacing that spans from one apron edge all the way across the Kilt to the other apron edge to take the strain of wearing the Kilt and preventing puckering....
Or are you asking about the liner that simply covers these internal construction details?

The Stabilizer is usually a broadcloth. Similar to bed sheeting. It is light, strong and does not stretch.

The interfacing is usually a stuff called "Hair Canvas" This stuff is light but contains two different fibers. The fibers going the length are lighter and more flexible but still strong enough not to stretch. The fibers going vertically are stiff to resist folding and hold the waistband erect.

The liner is usually a light broadcloth again. It is simply a cover for the internal construction so should be strong but as light as possible.

Many people think that the liner is to keep the Kilt clean. If this were so it would be removable and washable.
Many people think that the liner is the heart of the inside of the Kilt because that is what they see when looking at the inside of a Kilt.

But the Liner is only there to cover the true secret of the Traditional Kilt. It is the stabilizer and interfacing that give the Kilt its shape and resists the forces of wearing.