DIY attempt number 5

[Aspiringloser]

Here we go again! I started again today. I almost screwed this one up big time before the chalk even touched it. When measuring, I used the "1" mark rather than the end of the tape. I do this often and it works great as long as you do indeed add 1 to your measurement. After I'd cut out the waistband strap, I measured both pieces. They were 24 inches long but should've been 25 inches. Luckily, I had enough allotted for the hem that I could get 3/4 of that inch back. It will now have a shorter hem but hopefully will be okay. More to come with progress. I'm off to stitch some pleats.

[jgcunningham]

Measure twice, cut once. Or in my case: measure twenty times, then cut. Especially if it's for someone else.

Merry Christmas!

[Chas]

Ah, yes. "Measure twice, cut once." How often have we all not headed those words. No permanent damage done.

Regards

Chas

[Aspiringloser]

Indeed! I was ready to smash my head against the table when I realized what I'd done. Luckily I calmed down and figured out that the whole thing could still be salvaged. Cooler heads prevail. That's another one I should heed more often.

[xman]

When measuring for accuracy (and let's face it, with a kilt you need to be very accurate) it is better to use a point along the tape rather than the end of the tape as your starting point. I usually use the 10cm point rather than the 1cm point. Mistaken measurements are usually very obvious then and I can adjust accordingly.

[Aspiringloser]

But when you catch your mistaken measurements after cutting, it's usually too late. I was lucky.

[xman]

But when you catch your mistaken measurements after cutting, it's usually too late. I was lucky.

Yes indeed. what I meant was that I notice any discrepancies as I'm measuring. It's obvious instantly.

[Aspiringloser]

I'm still very inexperienced. I'm getting there.

[Pleater]

It is often easier to think of the various components of the kilt in repeats of the pattern, as I find it tends to reduce errors, even when dealing with a weave which is not square.

That tartan must be a fairly small set - less than 5 inches?

Anne the Pleater

[Aspiringloser]

It's 5.75 inches, Anne. I'm pleating it to the sett. I had to cut some of the fabric off as it was going to be 35 pleats. I opted for 25 but should've settled on 27 as the reproduction of the sett is a little wider than the sett itself at the bottom of the fell. The sett is too wide for two repeats per pleat. Every tartan I've worked with so far has been small enough to warrant 2 or 3 repeats per pleat. One repeat per pleat results in shallower pleats than I'm used to but I think it will be fine. I think it will still look okay but if I had my choice I'd rather it be a bit smaller than the actual sett than larger.