Quote Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome View Post
The same could not really be said of the abbreviated feilidh-beag, though. Being narrow in width, its use as a blanket would be limited, at best. It's primary purpose was for clothing.

So I can well imagine that it would not have taken long after its first introduction before people started to wonder, "Why am I pleating this thing up every time I put it on? Wouldn't it be easier to sew these into place?"
Plus - from what I've observed at reenactment events - the loose, hand-pleated version doesn't always stand up too well to active use! Your belt, which holds the whole affair together, is right at the top of the garment with only two or three inches of fabric above it. Running and leaping about, as during a battle, can result in an embarrassing heap of tartan around your ankles as the philabeg comes undone. I've seen this happen to more than one red-faced laddie!

The stitched-up version (or perhaps with a drawstring?) has more structure, and remains in its proper place around one's waist more reliably....