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  1. #1
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    27th September 08
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    Question Regarding Hemming a Kilt with a Join

    I am currently working on a kilt that will have a hem. I am using double width fabric so there will be a join. Is there any special technique to reduce the thickness of the hem at the join? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    30th November 04
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    What is the weight of the tartan? If it's 10 or 11 oz., just do the join and make the hem. The bulk won't be noticeable.
    Kiltmaker, piper, and geologist (one of the few, the proud, with brains for rocks....
    Member, Scottish Tartans Authority
    Geology stuff (mostly) at http://people.hamilton.edu/btewksbu
    The Art of Kiltmaking at http://theartofkiltmaking.com

  3. #3
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    27th September 08
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    Thanks for your reply, Barb. The tartan is 13 ounce. I got swatches in this and the lighter weight, but 13 ounce was preferred. Does this change your advice?

  4. #4
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    30th November 04
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    It should be fine - just press the dickens out of the seam itself before putting in the hem, and press that little section of the hem well before basting the pleats. That way, nothing should ghost through. You might also grade the part of the seam that will be inside the hem before stitching the flat felled part - there won't be any stress on it, and you can trim the inside piece back quite a lot before enclosing the raw edge.

    Also - if you think you're never going to take the hem out, you don't have to do a flat felled seam inside what will be the hem - just stitch the main join seam, cut perpendicular to the seam at the level of the hem, and, below that, fold the seam open and press it well before putting in the hem. Press that part well before basting the pleats. That will also reduce the bulk.
    Kiltmaker, piper, and geologist (one of the few, the proud, with brains for rocks....
    Member, Scottish Tartans Authority
    Geology stuff (mostly) at http://people.hamilton.edu/btewksbu
    The Art of Kiltmaking at http://theartofkiltmaking.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    27th September 08
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    From Michigan, USA. Currently in Lancashire, UK
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    Many thanks, Barb. You have been very helpful. You are really helping me fill my bag of kiltmaking tricks.

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