Learn to sew, sewed a running kilt

**brewerpaul** · 20th May 12, 09:28 PM

Greetings all,
As the title says I sewed a running kilt all with the help and instruction of Jennifer(my GF). Ive been hiking and running in Elkommando kilts for about a year and realized that this summer they were going to be too hot so I had the idea to locate some material and sew a running kilt. As usual with many things I just jump in with feet running as I hit the ground. Having taught Jennifer some wood working she was going to even the score by teaching me some sewing this past winter. We bought a new Janome HD1000 and she taught me the obligatory apron and flannel baggy pants. It didnt seem too hard, though there were a few moments of tied up thread and knots that made me feel I was playing golf. Yes sewing can have the same level of frustration as chasing little white balls. Well having two sewn items under my belt it was time to get a kilt going. I located some light weight sport material (with no stretch) and some wicking material for a liner. Using Barb T's wonderful book I set out to make my kilt.

If you have seen the Elkommando kilts you know they are a waist fit kilt, I was wanting more traditional higher waist fit. Reasons for this were the more traditional look, pack belts would be around the kilt not pushing it down around my waist and my water bottle pack would fit like a belt around a standard kilt. I incorporated a traditional style of apron and pleats and made the length 24" so it was at proper knee hight. Being opposed to velcro I utilized flat cam locks and nylon webbing. The photos below will show my work and what I wanted from it. Making it a combination of traditional, using Barb T's book, and using newer fabrics made for a kilt that is very light weight, has plenty of leg movement for running, and looks pretty cool when hanging out post run.

First photo are the pleats, they are sewn down to the waist and the outer pleat is sewn down so it will maintain shape. I dont think the material would hold pleats if I didnt sew them in.

Next is the front full apron. No fringe on the apron but the materials selvedge is a bit fringed.

My side straps. The webbing is sewn to the kilt apron, the buckle to the pleated area. Because it is a cam lock the strap ends up pointing forward. I put a wide loop on each side to insert the strap and keep it from being a bother.

Side view of the left side and strap. I put a deep pleat with both right and left sides which really allows alot of good leg motion for running and hiking.

Liner of quick dry wicking material. Ill chose some different material for my next running kilt, the blue liner has 2% stretch which was just enough to create some sewing hassles.

Proof is in the wearing. Fits up at proper kilt height and just above the knee. The two straps hold it quite well.

Rear view showing how it fits and falls nicely. For very light weigh material this does not "skirt up and poof out". The sew down pleats keep them crisp and neat.

Even a running kilt should have some pleat swoosh. Just showing off the pleats.

Lots of mistakes and redos on this project and notice not too many close up shots of the stitching. Im a stickler for doing well, having worked in wood work and other precise industries, so I know there are some uneven stitches and such. For a first project, first kilt by a total rookie Im quite happy with it and cant wait to get on the trails. I found some ultra light weight 6 inch compression briefs from Roadrunner sports to wear under these. Two things I dont like while running, chaffed inner thighs and monkey butt.

All comments, questions, suggestions and critique accepted and appreciated.

**Mipi** · 21st May 12, 02:27 AM

Looking nice. Interesting choice of buckle/strap. Making deep under pleats is helping in keeping corners of the apron staying straight and not poking outwards/inwards.

I'm sure it will offer you good comfort (not only running).

**bonnie heather** · 21st May 12, 06:02 AM

Paul, your kilt looks really good! I like the web straps and fasteners and it looks like the pleats swish well. Nice work!

**cck** · 21st May 12, 08:26 AM

You had some good ideas and a geat looking finished product. Congratulations on your success. I like the selection of web straps vs velcro. Having done a number of kilted runs, I am always interested in the experience of others. Let's see if we can increase our numbers.

**Ryan Ross** · 21st May 12, 08:54 AM

Looks really excellent! I honestly think I'd really enjoy having something like that, myself!

**brewerpaul** · 21st May 12, 05:33 PM

Thanks everyone for your encouraging words, it has been a fun project and the beginning of my quest to make more kilts. Bonnie thank you, I only hope I can gain a smidgen of your talent at kilt making and I know if I ever want another tank I will be calling you.

The choice of webbing and buckles comes after looking at alot of fastec type buckle devices used on packs and various other things. I wanted to keep the buckle compact so it wouldnt interfere with a back pack or belted water bottle carrier. I use both in hiking and trail running and didnt want a bulky buckle digging into my waist. The flat cam buckle was the best option due to its very flat and compact design. The only downfall is that it redirects the webbing forward so I made the two wider belt loops to hide the strap edges. Time will tell how durable they are.

**CMcG** · 21st May 12, 06:32 PM

Nice work.

**brewerpaul** · 22nd May 12, 06:34 AM

Took the kilt for a test run at my favorite trail, here is the link to a couple photos and my thought on the kilt. It was comfy comfy comfy.....

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...56#post1094556

**AJBryant** · 22nd May 12, 05:18 PM

Splendid job. I *love* the idea, and the execution is faboo.

Just out of curiosity, what fabric did you use for the kilt? I think I need to do one of these.

**brewerpaul** · 22nd May 12, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by AJBryant

Splendid job. I *love* the idea, and the execution is faboo.

Just out of curiosity, what fabric did you use for the kilt? I think I need to do one of these.

For anyone interested in the fabrics I used here are some URLs. The first is to the sage kilt material and the second to the blue wicking liner.

Sage lightweight nylon fabric.

https://www.fabric.com/ProductDetail...1-873591679360

Blue wicking liner material

http://www.rockywoods.com/Fabrics-Ki...c-Classic-Navy

Rockywoods also had the flat cam buckles and webbing I used.