Bound Edge Kilts

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Readers;
Here is a good one for the Readership:and just maybe someone has the answer.
1st Background, in the Wait Painting of the "Grant Piper'-circa 1725- the pipers Great Kilt is bound with a contrasting fabrick trim. I am sure that the cut ends might be bound(think of the binding on blankets) to keep it from unravelling, but not the other edges-selvage-
So, the question, is this a lost fashion trend, or a bit of Grant family history(in view of their 'war kilts ')or ???
As a side bar, I have trimmed my 'pre Culloden'' kilt with cotton twill tape, and I like the look of the kilt with the trim. You can also use the trim to hide some weight to hold the kilt in place in the wind!
And thoughts from the Pros??
Mr.Anthony

[figheadair]

I think that you have misunderstood/misinterpreted the picture. In fact both the Piper to the Laird of Grant and The Champion look to be wearing the same tartan with the plaid showing the same effect.

In all the many pre-1800 pieces of tartan that I've examined I've never seen one bound with tape or the like, there was simple no need. What I thing is depiceted is a selvedge mark that the artist has 'attempted' to show. You may find this paper useful in understanding selvedge marks and patterns - http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/Tra...e_patterns.pdf

[Mr.Charles Anthony]

Sir:
That is a most useful & erudite answer to a Question that I have not seen the like of for nary a long awhile.
I did peg over to the Link kindly offered; and read the entire story & peered with great intent at the photos.
I will first agree that the painter Waite may have been attempting to shew the 'self-edge' pattern. But the cut side of a Great Kilt plaid would need Something-even a sewn edge- to keep it from coming undone-in that I will maintain-"unless some evidence proves me wrong" that a cut edge of a Plaid would have some anti-fray treatment.
And what is the reasoning behind the MoD kilts with the bound edge on the top?
With Great Thanks
Mr.C.Anthony

[Paul Henry]

please see Previous post concerning the same subject by the same poster in 2008

[Bugbear]

please see Previous post concerning the same subject by the same poster in 2008

Ya I remember that thread. I had to look through it to see if I made an idiot of myself. I still think it is sometimes called a Hong Kong finish.
This time I think the OP is saying the edges of what would be the aprons are hemmed or bound, instead of the bottom of the belted plaid.

* Oops, figheadair has the correct answer. Never mind.

[piperdbh]

It would be much simpler just to hem the cut ends of the plaid.

[figheadair]

Sir:
That is a most useful & erudite answer to a Question that I have not seen the like of for nary a long awhile.
I did peg over to the Link kindly offered; and read the entire story & peered with great intent at the photos.
I will first agree that the painter Waite may have been attempting to shew the 'self-edge' pattern. But the cut side of a Great Kilt plaid would need Something-even a sewn edge- to keep it from coming undone-in that I will maintain-"unless some evidence proves me wrong" that a cut edge of a Plaid would have some anti-fray treatment.
And what is the reasoning behind the MoD kilts with the bound edge on the top?
With Great Thanks
Mr.C.Anthony

MoD, and indeed all modern kilts are bound along the top edge because the material is cut to size and the bounding stops the cloth fraying. Early kilts were often made from narrower width cloth and no taping was required although it was sometimes used to affect a cloth fastening strap.

The ends of traditional plaids were almost always turned and sewn. I discuss construction techniques here - http://www.scottishtartans.co.uk/Joined_Plaids.pdf