DIY flashes idea

[Rex_Tremende]

My idea was to sew the flashes right onto my sock. I would only need 4 5" pieces of material this way and wouldn't have to buy the adjustable things that go around the calf or even buy velcro. I have no money to spend at all. I'm looking for some discarded material around the house I can use if possible but something that won't wrinkle as easy when it's in the wash.

I cut up a denim shirt that didn't fit me any more and made a pair of flashes that I enjoy wearing when I go casual.

Say, now that you're wearing kilts, you may not need your underwear. So why not cut the elastic out of a pair of colored boxers if you have them, stitch them into a loop big enough to go around your calf and snug enough to keep the hose up, and use the trunks to fashion flashes? Won't cost a penny.

You don't need elastic, really, though stretchy stuff is usually better. A flat cotton shoelace might do the trick, or if anyone wraps a present in that fat yarn, you can save it for your garters. Just sew your flashes into loops and pass the ties through. Make sure you can undo the knots and keep them tucked under the cuff of your hose - you've solved the problem.

Good luck with your project.

Regards,
Rex.

[RockyR]

Another idea that I BELIEVE is historically accurate (Matt can give the thumbs up or down on this one)...

Tartan flashes are garters meant to hold the hose up. Originally, a simple scrap of tartan (or other) material was used, about 1.5" wide X 28" long or so. Pull up your hose, tie the scrap around your calf (not TOO tight) and fold your hose down over top of the material. Let the 2 ends of the material dangle from the outside of your calf.

This is the type of thing that would have been done BEFORE the miracle of elastic and velcro.

[Carolina Kiltman]

Another idea that I BELIEVE is historically accurate (Matt can give the thumbs up or down on this one)...

Tartan flashes are garters meant to hold the hose up. Originally, a simple scrap of tartan (or other) material was used, about 1.5" wide X 28" long or so. Pull up your hose, tie the scrap around your calf (not TOO tight) and fold your hose down over top of the material. Let the 2 ends of the material dangle from the outside of your calf.

This is the type of thing that would have been done BEFORE the miracle of elastic and velcro.

I cannot vouch for the accuracy either, but our pipe band has gone to the ties, using a knit (tubular) ribbon available in fabric stores. The ends are fringed, and it really does look good! (sorry no pictures).

Check out a Boy Scout manual for what is known as a "miller's knot". It will untie easily and hold until you want to untie it!.

[Bugbear]

Rex's idea to use denim for flashes is so cool... I wonder if material from an old pair of jeans would make nice blue flashes?

[meinfs]

I cannot vouch for the accuracy either, but our pipe band has gone to the ties, using a knit (tubular) ribbon available in fabric stores. The ends are fringed, and it really does look good! (sorry no pictures).

Check out a Boy Scout manual for what is known as a "miller's knot". It will untie easily and hold until you want to untie it!.

Originally, a simple scrap of tartan (or other) material was used, about 1.5" wide X 28" long or so. Pull up your hose, tie the scrap around your calf (not TOO tight) and fold your hose down over top of the material. Let the 2 ends of the material dangle from the outside of your calf

Thanks for this info --- I continue to learn!

[meinfs]

My idea was to sew the flashes right onto my sock. [...]

-- I had a similar experience. I wanted to wear my Grey Stewart DIY kilt to a concert but alas I didn't have the flashes made yet. So I cut up some tartan scraps and safety-pinned it to the underside of the cuff... Luckily the hose was brand new (from The Kilted Nation store in VA) and so it was still quite elastic. It was okay in a pinch but I'd still go for the elastic garters. (But keep thinking about ideas!)