Ken...wish you lived closer to me. Actually, we do have a member of our regiment in Blanco, TX...John could show you how to do this. I've been pleating great kilts on the ground/floor/tent, etc. for 15 years.....I can pleat that kilt in.....5 minutes! To me, the draw string is more difficult and gets it all fluxomed!! And, you don't have to pleat to sett....but once you do it 25 times, you can and it still doesn't take more than 5 mins. AND, you only pleat the bottom half....when you lay on it and fold the aprons over then belt it, and stand up the top half will fall around your legs, that's why it doesn't need pleated on the top. Then, you tuck both corners of that around your legs on the opposite side of your waist, which makes a tail in back....that is the part that can be worn several different ways on the shoulder (and makes a dandy hood for your head or a place to keep a wee sheepie!). AND, even though your waist is 31, you should have 4 yards. My waist is about 44 and I use 4 1/2 to 5 yards....you must have enough to get those lovely pleats in the back and to bring up to tuck in the waist. i know this sounds confusing, but it is very easy after doing it a few times AND looks great. Malcolm