Making a 4-yard, Box Pleat in the California Tartan:an ongoing thread

**Alan H** · 29th January 07, 12:54 PM

I started on this kilt this morning. This will be tartan kilt #5 for me. I've wanted a California Tartan kilt for a while, and I've had the itch to make a box pleat as well. It all came together when my In Laws and BIL chipped in for 2.3 yards of California Tartan, 16 ounce, purchased from Rocky at USA Kilts as my Christmas present..

So this morning I cut it out (I can't bring myself to rip tartan) and then laid the whole thing out on the kitchen table. I pinned it up and put the six pleats in it, and then unpinned it, and repinned to maximize use of the available material. I think I have got it figured out, now.

Time?? 3 hours, which is a lot, but worth it. I bet this one will go together in less than 20 hours

**McMurdo** · 29th January 07, 12:58 PM

Thats Great Alan
I for one can not wait to see it when youre done.

**Tattoo Bradley** · 29th January 07, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

Thats Great Alan
I for one can not wait to see it when youre done.

I'll second that.

**Kilted Taper** · 29th January 07, 03:08 PM

you're a mad man, and I love it!

**chasem** · 29th January 07, 04:13 PM

fantastic Alan! I'm sure it will look great.

I understand your hesitance to rip tartan, but trust me, it will get a much straighter line if you do. It took me a couple before I did, and it was a cinch afterwards. A little snip along the desired line, then tear in short bursts, and it will come out great.

**pdcorlis** · 29th January 07, 04:41 PM

I'm not sure I'm strong enough to rip 16oz wool...

**ScottInNewHampshire** · 29th January 07, 05:04 PM

Go Alan. Go Alan. Go Alan. Go!!

**ccga3359** · 29th January 07, 05:28 PM

Pictures would be so nice right about now. I'm from the TV generation, I have no imagination!

**Alan H** · 29th January 07, 08:17 PM

I might try the camera in my phone for this one.

**Kiltman** · 29th January 07, 08:56 PM

Alan,
At first it seemed hard to believe one rips tartan. Now I actually look forward to it. Nothing but straight lines. I couldn't get such a straight line with cutting it. But I do have to admit 16oz fabric is hard to rip.