Making my first tank

[JamieKerr]

Winter is fast approaching, and I'm moving myself towards indoor activities that don't involve going outside! With that in mind I just purchased a copy of Barbara's book, which should be here in a few days. My question is simple. For a first kilt making attempt, is it easier to use a patterned material or one that has no repeating pattern? I'm asking now because I have a JoAnn Fabric's 50% off coupon that expires today!!

[Mipi]

It's always easier to work with no patterened material or material with non-repeative pattern (like camo). Any errors are less visible.

But on the other hand tartan do add additional look and impresion. And some things from the "kilt bilble" can be trained only with tartan or taran like material.


Good luck!

Mipi

[blackbeard]

Here is my opinion on the two choices.

Plain Pros
The decision on pleat width and depth are yours
If your stitching in the fell goes a little wonky, it won't be as noticeable

Plain Cons
A blank canvas (as it were) means more marking on your part
Since there is no pattern to hide behind, every wrong stitch will jump out at you and scream

Tartan Pros
The guide lines are built in
Since there is a patten for the eye to focus on, your stitching will not take center stage

Tartan Cons
Because there are lines, any deviation from them will be noticed. Your pleats have to be perfect.


Barb's book covers both plain colored and tartan kilts, so you will have directions for both.

Good luck!

[sydnie7]

I'd go tartan, especially if Joanne's has enough of one of their nice patterns for you. Be aware that all I've seen are 45-48 inches, so unless you are really short you will need a full 7 or 8 yards length. It's inexpensive enough to relieve some trepidations about "but what if I totally screw it up," yet looks good enough that your end product can be worn with pride.

Have fun and keep us posted!

[JamieKerr]

Thanks everybody! I'll post some pics of whatever fabric I get, and then I'll start putting updates in here as soon as my book arrives. I better stock up on energy drinks now, I anticipate I won't be sleeping much in the next week.

[Paul Henry]

It's always a challenge starting a new project, take it slowly and measure everything before cutting.
There is a huge difference between working with cheap fabric and woollen cloth, although more expensive the better quality wool is really so much easier to work with, holds a pleat better,and really does move better when finished.

Sometime it's worth treating yourself to some really good fabric, you will be amazed at the difference in making it up

[Bugbear]

Hope it all goes well, Jamie.

[The_Tailor]

Having recently sewn 2 in 2 days, I'd say go for the tartan. I found the tartan easier to work with than the plain, subtle patterned material. Guidelines are built right in. I think you may also be more satisfied with the end product. It is a bit harder to pleat depending on the sett width, and in hindsight, I should have chosen something smaller. The kilt I'm currently wearing has all of 4 (yeah, FOUR) box pleats. But it looks and wears great IMO.

Should you decide to go tartan, I have one recommendation to make, as there will be sewing lines visible, try to match your thread color(s) to the color of the stripes you will be sewing on.

[The Wizard of BC]

As one who has sewn Kilts from just about every fabric available today I would strongly advise you get the best quality fabric you can afford.

The difference sewing local fabric store fabric and good quality Wool is like night and day. The good stuff is a dream compared to almost anything I have found in a fabric store.

And the end result will make you much more proud when you have worn the Kilt more than a couple of times.

I know it is difficult to find good Kilt Wool but almost any Kiltmaker will be willing to order it for you.

If you are going through the trouble of using Barb's book and hand sewing a real Tank you owe it to yourself to use the best fabric you can get.

Solid vs Tartan,,,I would go with a Tartan if you plan to do a Tank. If you were machine sewing or planning a more modern style Kilt then I would say a solid is fine. But your first Tank,,,that's something special,,, and should be given the respect it deserves.

[JamieKerr]

I very much appreciate input from the Wizard himself! I will be sure to heed your words. I looked around at JoAnn's today, and I could not find anything that looked suitable. I am going to find to find a tartan that I would like to order for my first tank!