Advice about types of material

[Hachiman]

Hi folks!

In looking at the various tartans available to purchase (with the idea of working on my own kilt in mind), I noticed that I invariably had the choice of mixed/blended tartans (eg polyviscous/wool), lightweight wool, and heavyweight woollen tartans.

Now, my wallet probably won't stretch to heavyweight wool... and all the advice I've read on this forum (re: one's first kilt) says to start with some inexpensive material first so that the inevitable mistakes aren't costly ones.

Which sounds reasonable.

However, my question is: would using a blend be ok? Or would those who have already taken the step into making their own kilts advise buying a lightweight pure wool tartan for my first kilt project?

Naturally, my first purchase is going to be Barb T's book on the Art of KiltMaking. Since I'm no stranger to the needle (although I don't own a sewing machine as yet), sewing holds little fear for me....but I want all the instructions I can lay my hands on!!

I look forward to hearing from the rabble.

cheers
Hachiman

[ChattanCat]

Hi Hachiman,
I would suggest that your first kilt be made of a tartan like material. I started making kilts by buying some inexpensive wool material. I would not call it a tartan but more of a big block plaid. It was a tabby weave (like a pendelton weave), but tartan's are a twill weave.

You can also use Poly/Rayon (or Poly/Viscose). It holds a pleat like wool and is usually inexpensive. Of course there is also acrylic, but I would not recommend it. It pills and pulls and is usually the material of choice for bargain brand kilts.

Here is a chart with material characteristics for kilt making.

[Alan H]

I have made two kilts out of Fraser and Kirkbrights 10-11 ounce wool/polyester blend and it's good stuff for the summer. That said, it doens't have the substance of heavier stuff, but ifyou get a lot of material worked into the pleats, it does develop a good swing.

[James MacMillan]

Hi Hachiman,
I would suggest that your first kilt be made of a tartan like material. I started making kilts by buying some inexpensive wool material. I would not call it a tartan but more of a big block plaid. It was a tabby weave (like a pendelton weave), but tartan's are a twill weave.

You can also use Poly/Rayon (or Poly/Viscose). It holds a pleat like wool and is usually inexpensive. Of course there is also acrylic, but I would not recommend it. It pills and pulls and is usually the material of choice for bargain brand kilts.

Here is a chart with material characteristics for kilt making.

Wally - That is a very nice chart. Thanks!

[Panache]

Wally - That is a very nice chart. Thanks!

You will find it under the "X Marks Community" sidebar

Cheers

Jamie

[James MacMillan]

You will find it under the "X Marks Community" sidebar

Cheers

Jamie

OH - Duh

[MacWage]

Hi Hachiman,
I would suggest that your first kilt be made of a tartan like material. I started making kilts by buying some inexpensive wool material. I would not call it a tartan but more of a big block plaid. It was a tabby weave (like a pendelton weave), but tartan's are a twill weave.

You can also use Poly/Rayon (or Poly/Viscose). It holds a pleat like wool and is usually inexpensive. Of course there is also acrylic, but I would not recommend it. It pills and pulls and is usually the material of choice for bargain brand kilts.

Here is a chart with material characteristics for kilt making.

Ah!
Rocky's famous chart.
Useful, esp for the $100 or so price area. It provides good info.

[Howard Clark]

If you watch ebay you can get 100% worsted wool twill fabrics that are plaids, but not proper tartans, sometimes for very little money per yard.

I've made a couple of kilts from woolens with looser weave and they are all right, but nothing like real kilt tartan in the way they work or look.

[Tartan Hiker]

I second what Alan H said about the F&K material. They have a clearance page: http://www.wooltartan.com/tartans5.htm

I've used their 11-ounce fabric and it does a grand job if, as Alan said, you knife-pleat and use at least 5 yards in the pleats.



Where did you find wool/PV blend fabric????

[Hachiman]

I second what Alan H said about the F&K material. They have a clearance page: http://www.wooltartan.com/tartans5.htm


Where did you find wool/PV blend fabric????

Oops! My mistake - I was thinking of the polyester/wool blends from F&K's site....but I typed PV instead. Sorry!!

I just wasn't sure whether kiltmakers would recommend trying with a polyester/wool blend for one's first attempt at making a kilt. Or whether I would be better advised buying some 100% wool (such as that offered on F&K's remnant page) instead.

cheers

Hachiman