As this thread has evolved from the purchase and wear of P/V v.s. Wool, to the making of kilts, perhaps the voice of someone who does it as a living may help.


Wool is a very forgiving fabric. P/V when pressed, creates permanent creases. The creases in Wool can be steamed out and re-pressed almost forever. Any mistakes are quickly corrected and you can start all over.

The really cool thing about making a kilt in the traditional manner is that until you cut-away the pleats you can pick out all the stitches and you are back to a long piece of fabric.

My advice to a beginner kiltmaker, who is thinking about hand sewing, is to find the best fabric you can afford. 16oz premium Kilt Wool does cost more than the WalMart specials but the difference in how it sews is like night and day.
I would prefer to hand sew a kilt in good quality wool than anything else. It is easier and in the end you have a premium kilt you can be really proud to wear.

Good quality fabric really is easier to sew. That is not just a myth. If your goal in the beginning is to practice your needle work then you owe it to yourself to use the easiest fabric to work with.

If you are thinking about machine sewing then good quality P/V or Poly/Cotton is the way to start. But again, buy the best quality you can afford.

It all comes down to the end product. Making a kilt the first time is a very long and involved process. Wouldn't you rather have a really nice kilt in the end than one that is just your practice kilt?
The difference in price, for an entire kilt, between bargain basement mystery fabric and first quality Poly/Cotton is only about $20.00 or maybe $30.00.

So if you are thinking about making a kilt, think also the finished kilt. After a week or a month of sewing you should be proud of your work. You will want to strap your kilt on and go out to show it off. You may want to post pics here and bask in the accolades of your fellow members.
Ask yourself --- What would you be proud to wear when you get it done?