annexure

FABRIC
AND ITS
WEAVING
The typical kilt as seen at modern Highland games events is made of
twill woven worsted wool. The twill weave used for kilts is a "2–2
type", meaning that each weft thread passes over and under two warp
threads at a time. The result is a distinctive diagonal-weave pattern in
the fabric which is called the twill line. This kind of twill, when woven
according to a given sett or written colour pattern is called tartan.
Kilting fabric weights are given in ounces per yard and run from the
very-heavy, regimental worsted of approximately 18–22 ounces
(510–620 g) down to a light worsted of about 10–11 ounces (280–
310 g). The most common weights for kilts are 13 ounces (370 g) and
16 ounces (450 g). The heavier weights are more appropriate for
cooler weather, while the lighter weights would tend to be selected
for warmer weather or for active use, such as Highland dancing.
A modern kilt for a typical adult uses about 6–8 yards of single-width
(about 26–30 inches) or about 3–4 yards of double-width (about 54–
60 inches) tartan fabric. Double-width fabric is woven so that the
pattern exactly matches on the selvage. Kilts are usually made
without a hem because a hem would make the garment too bulky and
cause it to hang incorrectly. The exact amount of fabric needed
depends upon several factors including the size of the sett, the
number of pleats put into the garment, and the size of the person. For
a full kilt, 8 yards of fabric would be used regardless of size and the
number of pleats and depth of pleat would be adjusted according to
their size. For a very large waist, it may be necessary to use 9 yards of
cloth.
T Y P E S O F K I L T S A V A I L A B L E T O D A Y
P r e - M a d e K i l t s
U t i l i t y K i l t s
C l a y m o r e I m p o r t s S y n t h e t i c K i l t s
C l a y m o r e I m p o r t s T o p - S t i t c h e d K i l t s
C l a y m o r e I m p o r t s C u s t o m 5 - Y a r d K i l t s
C l a y m o r e I m p o r t s C u s t o m 8 - Y a r d K i l t s