Odds Bodkins, what do you use to hold up the loose end of the great kilt.

**Guinach** · 4th December 12, 08:39 PM

Hello,
The Alexandria Scottish Walk was great fun this past weekend. Made my second appearance in a great kilt.
My wife was mightily amused with my attempts at getting dressed. The kit is coming along and was wondering what
folks use for a bodkin to hold up the loose ends on the shoulder.

I'd like to get one of bone, and was wondering if a bone sewing bodkin would pass muster? I'd shave off the hooks.

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Thanks,
Kon

**Geoff Withnell** · 5th December 12, 07:58 AM

I don't have pics that show it, but I tie the end coming over my shoulder to the end in front with a bit of string, because there is too much fabric for a brooch to manage well, and pin the brooch over it.

**Pleater** · 5th December 12, 08:47 AM

Those look like old crochet hooks; shaving the hooks off might result in the shades of craftswomen from the past haunting you for desecrating their prize possessions.

They would probably be too thick to go through the weave of tartan cloth without making holes.

You might find that tying the corners with a cord is a kinder method of securing the cloth.

I use a cord to keep a long plaid on my shoulder, where the long ends cross over on the left shoulder, as without that it was rather uncertain as to the outcome if I walked and beat my drum at the same time.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

**Guinach** · 5th December 12, 10:48 AM

Oh,
Thanks for the warning!
The wool seems to hold up well and comes back after being stabbed. The group I belong to doesn't wear brooches and some sort of bone, iron or brass bodkin is specified for the men.

Thanks,
Kon

**Woodsheal** · 5th December 12, 11:20 AM

There are some bone bodkins on this page that require no alterations:

http://www.wmboothdraper.com/Notions/notions_main.htm

**Guinach** · 5th December 12, 11:27 AM

I like the turning on the end of the crochet hooks.
Burnley and Trowbridge have some too.
K

**Sir Didymous** · 10th December 12, 05:57 PM

I have a brooch that works well to show the wealth of my dye merchant portrayal, but when sleeping and/ or portraying a run-of-the-mill type I use a little leather lacing.