Thoughts on making a Box Pleat Kilt

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Josh,

That's great that you are trying your hand at kilt making. I look forward to seeing the results.

Historically, the smallest number of pleats I've seen on a box pleated kilt is 6 (it's actually the MacDuff kilt, c. 1800, that we have on display in the museum). And, in my own kilt making career, 6 is also the smallest number I've made. I'd say on average I get between 8 and 10 pleats in a kilt, but up to 12 is not unusual. Of course, for larger men the number will be higher.

I find that a pleat width of anywhere from 2" to 3" is ideal. I've done larger pleats for larger men and they don't look bad because they are proportional to the size of the garment. I think the largest I've done has been around 3.75" or 4" wide. I wouldn't go this wide on a slimmer man, though.

[jhockin]

just to share with y'all, a photo of the 4 meter box pleat, in Macnaughton Weathered (pleated to-the-sett), that I finished a couple of weeks ago; as you'll see, it has 10 pleats. Not as warm as the 8 yard Maple Leaf "tank", that I made before that ( with help from the forum folk), but I've had numerous complements, when i wear it) :

[SoulFyre777]

jsut to share with y'all, a photo of the 4 meter box pleat, in Macnaughton Weathered (pleated to-the-sett), that I finished a couple of weeks ago; as you'll see, it has 10 pleats. Not as warm as the 8 yard Maple Leaf "tank", that I made before that ( with help from the forum folk), but I've had numerous complements, when i wear it) :

Me LIKEY!! Who's your tartan supplier, jhockin?

</thread hijack>

[jhockin]

got it on sale, from Fraser & Kirkbright ( all gone now, as I bought the last 8 meters of double wide). I made the box pleat with half of one 4 meter piece, and a 'day plaid' and a scarf, with the other 4 meter piece; still have half of the first 4 meter piece, with which I plan to make a second box pleat.
As an aside, in another thread ( or 2), discusing using day plaids: I wore the day plaid, yesterday ( with my 8 yd Maple Leaf, hand sewn 'traditional' 'tank'), while out walking the dog. It was a cool day, with occassional drizzle, and even with the Plaid mostly folded, and wrapped around my torso, I was nice and warm. I find it very practical and comfortable.

[Alan H]

just to share with y'all, a photo of the 4 meter box pleat, in Macnaughton Weathered (pleated to-the-sett), that I finished a couple of weeks ago; as you'll see, it has 10 pleats. Not as warm as the 8 yard Maple Leaf "tank", that I made before that ( with help from the forum folk), but I've had numerous complements, when i wear it) :

I didn't know you were sewing up your own kilts, now. That's GREAT.

NorCalPiper, my California Modern Box pleat has 5 pleats...looks fine, I wear it all the time.

[Squeaky McMurdo]

Aha! I knew my screen was being silly! Yesterday when I looked at this picture the tartan appeared bright pink, lime green, and electric blue My thoughts were that wow....that one puts Loud MacLeod's loudness to shame.

And then all these replies with ooohs and ahhhs admiring the tartan showed up and I began to suspect something was amiss.

That IS a lovely tartan.

--Chelsea McMurdo--