Making a Kilt

The bookmark I had is no longer valid, but a Google search on "How to wrap a great kilt" (the title of the article I had the link for) returns quite a few links.

Try this one:

My best friend's husband clan has used these instructions and always gotten good results.

Techniques for Casual Clothes from Threads (Taunton Press) has excellent directions written by Ann Stewart, a professional kilt maker. There are many photographs and drawings with explanations. ISBN 1-56158-071-6

I have to admit I have not tried this; looks daunting. Good luck in your endeavor.

Do have a look at the kilt making sites mentioned, BUT remember these things:

No kilt ever has a hem! The selvage edge of kilt fabric is no different from the rest of the weave, and is used for the bottom edge.

Kneel on the floor to measure the finished length: the kilt should brush the floor as you kneel, and must come up to the proper waist line. It should never be slung under a paunch like builder's jeans that are several sizes too small! Remember, as it swings in when you walk, the bottom edge should just brush the crease at the back of the knee.

Kilt length is determined from the top, not the hem edge (see above)

From hip up to the waist, he pleats should each be tapered a tiny bit. You DO NOT take in the slack for the waist from only 3 or 4 pleats - you take it from ALL of them!

For the best setting of pleats and the best hang, use a 12 or 14 oz 100% worsted wool plaid.

No kilt has a waistband. It does have a bit of strong canvas sewn inside to help strengthen the back waist area.

DO NOT cut off the pleats behind this bit of canvas to reduce bulk - the thing will fall apart! And it's supposed to have that bulk - it helps it hang properly.

Learn to press properly with a dry iron and a damp cloth - nothing else will do the job.

You do not need to get an exact fit from the pleating - that's what the buckles are for.

When sewing on the buckles, by hand or machine, sew through ALL layers of cloth. If you don't the stitching will rip the cloth and the buckles will drop off. Then the kilt will drop off.

This will work

The first page Kilts begin toward the bottom- The last two are the pictures - the last is most important. These pages print OK. The last two need to be printed sideways. 8 1/2 X 11 paper size. The cloth would be 30 inches wide or less, not 60 inches. This is from the 1890's He say's it is quite simple to make even though it looks difficult.

Kate Dicey wrote: || You do not need to get an exact fit from the pleating - that's what || the buckles are for. || || When sewing on the buckles, by hand or machine, sew through ALL || layers of cloth. If you don't the stitching will rip the cloth and || the buckles will drop off. Then the kilt will drop off. || -- || Kate XXXXXX

Youv'e just cheered up my grey and rainy morning with that comment Kate. Thank You. What it is to have an over active imagination! Claire.

And what do they wear under kilts???????????????????? Sharon

Then the kilt will drop off.

Kate XXXXXX

Skin.

I've seen it happen!

Nothing, unless you're a sissy!

I have HAD it happen.

My DH wears them and one day a older lady just walked up to him and said more then asked "I've always wondered." and before he could say anything she grabbed the front of his kilt and flipped it up to see for herself.. and then she turned red as a beet, turned and walked on.. DH just said "Have a good day" LOL

this site has a fail safe kilt pattern

Jane spray painted on a boxcar:

Where's the pattern? It's a great site but I only see RTW?

Penny S

That's all there is. No patterns. Maybe she meant buying one is a way to ensure it turns out right. Though these aren't orriginal, they are quite well done and they do stand behind them. I bought one from them and messed up on the meaurements (my fault). I emailed the company and the owner emailed me back offering to come to my house personaly (about a 45 minute drive) to ensure that the measurements were correct this time. I didn't take him up on it as it was my fault. I went up to their store and got things taken care of strait away. That is rare service.

Not a good look for the middle of a wedding, is it! ;P

CW spray painted on a boxcar:

I have a few clients who wear them. I don't think I could convince my hubby, tho.

Their site is great fun just to page thought. Then again I appreciate irreverent sense of humor. $35 extra for the "beer gut cut" just cracks me up.

Penny