Quote Originally Posted by Woodsheal View Post
In the old days, wool military uniform garments were often constructed with raw (unhemmed) edges. Civil War era frock coats, and regimental coats from earlier periods, almost all have raw edges on the bottom - not a hem, nor a selvedge. The wool is simply hacked off at the desired length and left unfinished.

Some of my reenactment coats have this raw-edged finish. The thing is, the wool holds that edge well, and does not unravel or fringe out, even after years of wear.

Why couldn't one simply cut the Stillwater heavy-weight wool kilt to the desired length and leave the bottom raw edge as is...?
The 19th century wool that I've seen is somewhat felted, which keeps it from raveling. Modern heavy-weight kilting fabric is not felted, and, if you cut it off, it won't be long before you have a fringe at the bottom.

Barb