Kilt Terms Glossary

[Jeremiah]

I was wondering if anyone else thinks it would be a good idea for the articles section to have a glossary of commonly used kilt-related words? Things like Tank and selvedge lack meaning for a newbie. I think it would help us learn the art quicker as well. Just a thought.

[RockyR]

"tank" was a made up word to try to capture the essence of a "traditional" kilt (referring to how solid they are put together). It's not really used outside of Xmarks and has been banned from being used on another kilt message board b/c it's not a "real kilt term".

Selvedge Edge is the bottom edge of the fabric. A "Kilting Selvedge" means that the material is tucked into itself during the weaving process, leaving a "straight neat" bottom. Most (not all) PV comes with a frayed selvedge edge (meaning the bottom of the kilt is frayed). You can also have a hem in the bottom which means the material has been turned under to give a clean bottom to the kilt.

Are there any more terms that you'd like explained? If someone has something to add to my comments, please feel free!

[KiltedKnight]

I for one would like to know exactly what 'worsted' means in refering to the wool tartan. I have asked many times at yardage shops and would you believe they had no answer? I've worn kilts for quite a while and always wondered about this term

Chris.

[Shay]

I know that one, but rather than explain it myself:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Worsted

[Barb T.]

The advantage for kilts is that worsted is firm-textured and not fuzzy, so it can be woven into a hard-finish fabric that doesn't pill the way Saxony does.

Barb

[mudd]

I for one would like to know exactly what 'worsted' means...

Google man, GOOGLE. I just love it when my daughter tells her mom to "do a google search" when she asks her something she doesn't know the answer to.

[AckZel]

"tank" was a made up word to try to capture the essence of a "traditional" kilt (referring to how solid they are put together). It's not really used outside of Xmarks and has been banned from being used on another kilt message board b/c it's not a "real kilt term".

So... it's slang word, right?

[michael steinrok]

Oh I loved banned words. "Tanks" a lot! Wat I'm Oyris. You know we don't say the letter "haitch".

Slainte