Can a kilt be made smaller?

[sadkingbilly]

Hello all,

I have the possibility to buy a wool Black Watch but it is (way) too large for me. Current size is 45 while I already fit into a 36 and will most likely be a 34 in a few months. So, is it possible (without ruining the kilt of course) to actually make it that much smaller or do I need to be a world class kilt maker to pull something like that off?

I've been using a sewing machine for nearly 20 years and have built hundreds of stunt- and powerkites and some simple clothes.

[McCowboy]

I have the exact same problem. the only thing to keep in mind is that your true size is larger that the "vanity" sizes used in jeans to make folks feel slimmer. So your kilt could be even closer to the right size than you thought.

[California Highlander]

Great thread from Barb T., with pictures on it here.

[Tobus]

Altering from 45 to around 34 would be way too much for a simple moving of buckles. Major deconstruction and reconstruction will be necessary. If this is a military kilt or a well-constructed traditional kilt, the process will be complex. I'm no expert (not even an amateur!), and only know a little from what I've seen the actual kilt makers describe, but I'm betting it would require re-pleating of the area that has the tops of the pleats cut out. In which case, it may not be possible.

But Steve, Barb, Rocky, Matt, or one of the other kilt makers here will surely know.

If it's not possible, you may still be wise to get it if it's a good deal, then sell it to raise funds for one that's a closer fit.

[davidlpope]

I recommend that you save your money. Black Watch tartan is ubiquitous and "good deals" on yardage or completed kilts in this tartan pop up every week. Altering this kilt is way too much work, unless you're getting it for free AND it is a high-quality kilt to start with.

If you're adventurous and patient, purchase some heavyweight tartan and sew your own kilt using Barb Tewksbury's book.

Cordially,

David

[flyrod6057]

Shrinking a kilt isn't actually too difficult. If it were me, I'd go for it in a second.

Having said that, if you've never made or altered a kilt, you might want to give it some thought... Losing 10+ inches in a kilt turns out to be quite a lot of fabric. You'll have to redo the inverted pleat and reshape the inner apron, as well as moving the buckles. On top of that, there's the internal construction that'll need to be adjusted.

Not a difficult prospect, but not one for someone who's never delved into kilt construction. Also: sewing machine expertise = irrelevant in kilt construction. Needle and thread =

[fcgeil]

I needed to shrink a kilt to fit, so I put it in my closet for a couple of months, and the kilt shrank to size. On an unrelated note, I need to get my scale adjusted as it is now reading high...

[M. A. C. Newsome]

Most professional kilt makers I know who do alteration work would charge you at least a couple hundred dollars to do what would need to be done to make a kilt that much smaller. For the additional money you'd spend, I would think you could find a kilt closer to your waist size (most ex-MoD kilts are in small sizes, anyway), or have a new kilt made to your measurements.

[RockyR]

Most professional kilt makers I know who do alteration work would charge you at least a couple hundred dollars to do what would need to be done to make a kilt that much smaller. For the additional money you'd spend, I would think you could find a kilt closer to your waist size (most ex-MoD kilts are in small sizes, anyway), or have a new kilt made to your measurements.

***

[Matty Ross]

What it comes down to is, What is the kilt worth to you. Yes you can buy a new Black Watch wool at Stillwater for $149.00 . I recently got a kilt that had been made smaller by 10 inches. They simply put two 2.5 inch pleats on each side I would have never noticed if the tag had not listed it as a 42 and when I tried it on realized it was closer to 32. I picked the stitches out of the apron and paid a tailor 39 dollars to sew it back up. In my opinion if your good with a sewing machine, go for it. What do you have to loose. Or you could sell it and buy a new one. What is that kilt worth to you.