Bound Edge Kilts

[figheadair]

Sir:
That is a most useful & erudite answer to a Question that I have not seen the like of for nary a long awhile.
I did peg over to the Link kindly offered; and read the entire story & peered with great intent at the photos.
I will first agree that the painter Waite may have been attempting to shew the 'self-edge' pattern. But the cut side of a Great Kilt plaid would need Something-even a sewn edge- to keep it from coming undone-in that I will maintain-"unless some evidence proves me wrong" that a cut edge of a Plaid would have some anti-fray treatment.
And what is the reasoning behind the MoD kilts with the bound edge on the top?
With Great Thanks
Mr.C.Anthony

MoD, and indeed all modern kilts are bound along the top edge because the material is cut to size and the bounding stops the cloth fraying. Early kilts were often made from narrower width cloth and no taping was required although it was sometimes used to affect a cloth fastening strap.

The ends of traditional plaids were almost always turned and sewn. I discuss construction techniques here - http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/Joined_Plaids.pdf