Sett Size

[Paul Henry]

Wow, you learn something new every day. Now at the risk of exposing my ignorance, could someone explain HOW it's possible that a tartan might have more than one sett size? I was under the impression that sett size was determined by thread count... And if you alter the thread count, are you not then changing the name/design of the tartan itself? Or is it simply just a matter of doubling or halving the thread count to obtain the larger or smaller sett size?

The thread count is a fixed formula, but there is no reason why it can't be doubled/trebled etc , as long as the actual propotions remain the same.
A client wanted a kilt done in St Kilda which is a small red/ black sett, I got D Dalgleish to enlarge the sett so that red lines were about 1 cm wide, it looked great when it was finished, not at all like a table cloth!

[seanachie]

I own a PV kilt in Isle of Skye and I have noticed significant differences in sett size between mine and the various posted pics of 16 oz. wool posted by other members. I do agree that it does make a notable difference based on the size of the sett. In IoS I do like the larger sett size.

Also, Paul Henry's post reminds me of traits of a good kilt maker. Clearly Paul had the foresight to see the visual issue with the standard set and had Dalgleish make alterations in the weave. I have been largely lucky in that kiltmakers I have chosen have raised issues in discussion that I might have thought of, and clearly sett size is one that makes a difference.