origins of the right-hand fringe

[jthk]

My ex-MoD kilt is as you describe: just folded back on itself and stitched. They didn't leave a raw edge visible on the inside, so the cut edge was at least folded a bit before the stitching was done. But it doesn't feel like there are a lot of layers of tartan at the right side of the apron like fringed kilts.

Most kiltmakers these days will do the apron however you want. I would guess that a single or double fringe is standard if not otherwise specified, but some will do triple fringe or no fringe at all. I actually have come to prefer no fringe, and the kilt I'm having made at the moment will be like my military kilt.

Gotcha. I tend to be also be moving towards simplicity: 4-yard box pleated kilts with two straps (or twill ties) and no fringe. No belt, no kilt pin. I like the simplicity.