What is the difference between tartans listed as having a spinning method of woolen versus worsted? Often the ones listed worsted cost twice as much. I am considering a casual kilt in the Isle of Skye tartan.

In very general terms yarn that is spun woolen is spun from shorter fibers that have no particular orientation. Woolen spun is usually lighter, fluffier and has more ends of the fibers sticking out sideways to the length of the yarn. Woolen yarns tend to hold more air spaces and are softer to the hand.

Yarn spun worsted is usually comprised of longer fibers that are combed and aligned more along the length of the yarn. Most of the fibers lay in the same direction and are straight. In some cases even the direction of the fibers is important. So all the cut ends are in the same direction. Worsted yarns are usually tighter with fewer fibers stitching out from the side of the yarn so appear more lustrous. Worsted fibers are usually stronger in tension, denser, and feel harder in the hand.

Most knitting yarns for sweaters are spun woolen to give a light, thicker fabric that is very insulating.
Most kilt fabric is worsted to give strength, a hard, tight fabric that holds a crease well.

Here is a link to just one of many explanations of the difference between woolen spun yarns and worsted spun yarns.

https://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/blog/woolen-vs-worsted

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Originally Posted by Steve Ashton

In very general terms yarn that is spun woolen is spun from shorter fibers that have no particular orientation. Woolen spun is usually lighter, fluffier and has more ends of the fibers sticking out sideways to the length of the yarn. Woolen yarns tend to hold more air spaces and are softer to the hand.

Yarn spun worsted is usually comprised of longer fibers that are combed and aligned more along the length of the yarn. Most of the fibers lay in the same direction and are straight. In some cases even the direction of the fibers is important. So all the cut ends are in the same direction. Worsted yarns are usually tighter with fewer fibers stitching out from the side of the yarn so appear more lustrous. Worsted fibers are usually stronger in tension, denser, and feel harder in the hand.

Most knitting yarns for sweaters are spun woolen to give a light, thicker fabric that is very insulating.
Most kilt fabric is worsted to give strength, a hard, tight fabric that holds a crease well.

Here is a link to just one of many explanations of the difference between woolen spun yarns and worsted spun yarns.

https://www.hilltopcloud.co.uk/blog/woolen-vs-worsted

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Will a kilt made in woolen look very different from one that is worsted? Scotweb doesn't seem to offer a worsted Isle of Skye in their casual kilt although they do have worsted in other tartans for their casual. In fact, all of their Isle of Skye tartans are listed as Spinning Method: woolen. Even for the 8-yard hand-stitched kilt. Are all IoS woolen not worsted?

I'd recommend that you email to Scotweb's help address. Their customer service is usually terrific.

Disclaimer: I am not a fabric expert (and Steve is). Knowing that you're looking at Scotweb, I'd be surprised if most of those fabrics were not worsted. I don't recall seeing the "spinning method" listed before.

The heavyweights are from Lochcarron (Strome) and Marton Mills (Jura). I've ordered both of those in the past, and I'm pretty sure they are/were worsted. Both are really nice fabric.

Clicking on More info... the descriptions of the Lochcarron fabrics say "worsted wool."

If you don't recognize them by sight, Lochcarron's fabrics are Strome, Braeriach , and Reiver (heavy, medium, and light weight). Marton's are Jura and Bute (also the polyviscose Balmoral). Hope this helps!