Moving Straps-Help!

[David White]

One kilt doesn't fit so well-alittle big. If I move the straps 1.5" (maybe less) each it will be fine. I found this thread http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/r...=moving+straps

Can I just move the straps and sew them into the clothe where I need them?
thanks,
dave

[ChattanCat]

You would want to keep the in the same line as the previous belts. Other than that, sew them on where you want them. It would be best to move both straps the same amount.

[David White]

Thanks alot-it won't tear or damage the clothe?

[ChattanCat]

Thanks alot-it won't tear or damage the clothe?

I would cut the threads holding the belts on. You may have to remove some of the stitches on the lining if the right belt is under the lining. Use carpet thread or Guetermann heavy duty polyester thread to sew the belts back on. Try to sew all the layers at an angle so the amount of thread showing on the outside is at a minimum.

[Carolina Kiltman]

I would cut the threads holding the belts on. You may have to remove some of the stitches on the lining if the right belt is under the lining. Use carpet thread or Guetermann heavy duty polyester thread to sew the belts back on. Try to sew all the layers at an angle so the amount of thread showing on the outside is at a minimum.

The important thing to remember is that it isn't the tartan that takes the strain of the buckles & straps, but the hair canvas and stabiliser under the tartan. The tartan is just along for the ride, as it were. So be sure that you go through both of these layers, and you should have no trouble.

(There are a total of four different fabrics around the waist of a traditional kilt. From outside in they are: The tartan, the stabiliser, the hair canvas and the lining fabric.)

[fluter]

Just for the record, this is how I've done it: on the left side, move the strap on the under-apron. On the right side, move the buckle(s).

We kept saying the straps, plural... but the right-hand side strap(s) on the apron should not have to be moved.

[The Wizard of BC]

fluter is correct. on the right side you carefully cut off the tabs holding the buckles. Then move these the required amount to make the Kilt fit.

On the under-apron you carefully cut off the strap. Then re-locate it to the outer side of the under apron in from the edge the same amount you moved the buckles.

This means the under-apron strap is now not on the apron edge but on the front of the under apron.

When you sew the buckle tabs and strap back on you sew all the way through the layers of the Kilt.

[Barb T]

Just for the record, this is how I've done it: on the left side, move the strap on the under-apron. On the right side, move the buckle(s).

We kept saying the straps, plural... but the right-hand side strap(s) on the apron should not have to be moved.

Yes - you move only the one underapron strap (moving it toward the center of the underapron to make the kilt smaller) and only the apron edge buckle(s). It doesn't do any good to move the buckle that's next to the buttonhole.

[turpin]

Just to add a word, I like it when the kiltmaker, on initial construction, locates the under-apron strap about 1.5 inches inward from the apron edge. This not only allows for re-sizing in either direction, but allows the apron to wrap around the side of my leg nicely. I have kilts where the apron edge runs right donw the outer front sid eof the thiegh and sometimes doubles back under towards the center as I walk. Just a bit distracting.