Single Width-,Double Width

[McConnell Mor]

Can someone here begin to discuss the details between single width and double width material. I saw an advertisement for the first time mention the making of custom weave tartan in single width. I am assuming its much like two ply toilet paper.

[xman]

Single width is usually about 27" wide, from selvedge to selvedge. Double width is, well, double that, so 54".

[MacMillans son]

As X has stated it is relative to the width of the fabric not, as in the case of toilet paper ply, the thickness.

Therefore, you would need half as much double width fabric to make the same yardage kilt as you would in single width. The benefit of double width is that it is not typically twice the price, but rather, just a little more than single width. For example single width may be $30 per yard wherein double width will be $35 per yard (these numbers are for comparison only).

Some tartans are only woven in one width or the other.

Some retailers, such as Heritage of Scotland, sell all material calculated at the the same price regardless of which width it is woven in. In other words, they will send you 8 yards of single width (if that is the only width a particular tartan is woven in) for the price of 4 yards double width.

Hope that helps.


Brooke

[McConnell Mor]

Thanks...understood.

[figheadair]

Some tartans are only woven in one width or the other.

This of course only applies to stock tartans.

Any tartan can be woven in either width but they'll not necessaritly be avilable off-the-shelf.

For non-stock tartan the minimum order for double width is generally a half piece- 30 yards, whereas non-stock single width is avialable from 4 yards upwards. As with most things commercial, the more one buys, the cheaper it gets.

[longhuntr74]

I believe you got the answer you were looking for...but the other thing I felt the need to add is that double width fabric has a kilting selvedge on both edges, whereas single width fabric will have one edge with a kilting selvedge and the other with a less finished selvedge...because when you rip it to width, you're going to rip that edge off anyways.

[xman]

... double width fabric has a kilting selvedge on both edges, whereas single width fabric will have one edge with a kilting selvedge and the other with a less finished selvedge....

Unless it is woven on a 27" loom. Then there will be two selvedges.