Resizing

[JARS]

Hello, xmarkers! I have managed to come across my late grandfather's kilt in an attic. It is a premium 16oz 8yd kilt. (I can't remember the tailor but my mother says that he got it made to measure in Scotland.) So all of this is too good to be true except that by Grandfather bought this kilt right after coming home from the Korean War and was a skeleton. I cannot even get it around me. Is there anyway that the kilt can be made bigger? My grandmother has been trying to resize it herself and from the research I have been doing I am worried that the operation may ruin it.

I am already worried that I am committing a mortal sin in damaging a premium kilt.

[Carolina Kiltman]

If you are talking of more than just an inch or two, making the waist larger will all but destroy the integrity of the kilt. The only way I could see to do it would be to completely disassemble the entire kilt and re-pleat it, making the pleats larger. Even then it is questionable if you could do it, as the excess material from each pleat is trimmed off at the waist during construction.

Any others have suggestions out there?

[Bugbear]

Don't do it!! Put the knife down!!

Guess one of the kilt makers on the forum could explain why...

[freddie]

Yes it's a real bummer when a kilt like that just doesn't fit. I've had the same problem in many a venue that sells second hand kilts, especially the army ones. You're willing it to go round you, breathing in and everything, it's so frustrating! The only thing I can suggest is a set of extension straps which can be purchased on ebay (one seller is Bauhouse Boy). Here's the link
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/CARSE-OF-GO...-and-Kiltmaker

[sydnie7]

There are some possiblities depending on how much needs to be added. If "it won't even go around me" means that the two ends don't meet, then you are probably not going to ever get it large enough. It needs to wrap around 1.5 times (basically).

If you need "some" inches, there are reconstruction methods such as using the underapron fabric to create more pleats, and adding a new underapron from a solid-color coordinating wool. The underapron isn't seen under normal wear, so you can steal from it.

There are many more experienced kiltmakers on this forum who (one hopes) will have more specific advice and perhaps other ideas. Whatever you do needs to be done by a pro who understands kilt construction, or you will end up with an altered, unwearable garment. Better to hang it in a display case than that.

Best of luck! FYI one of my nephews wears his great-grandfather's kilt which was remade to add the necessary inches, so it is not impossible nor un-heard-of.

[JARS]

My gran has actually gone about it by disassembling it and stealing from the under apron. So I am relieved that she isn't ruining it. I guess if it still won't fit I will sell it and use the money towards a replacement. It won't do any good sitting around and not being worn after all!

[Carolina Kiltman]

If it has true sentimental value, a display case would be in order, with a picture of your Grandfather wearing it. Much in the same way that some of my grandchildren feel about my old "shrunk in the closet" Navy uniforms. For instance does your Grandmother have the flag from your Grandfather's funeral? (assuming that he was buried with military honors). Then this would be a nice addition.

[ChattanCat]

Yes, some expansion can be done. It is easier to reduce the kilt size than to expand it. What you need to look at is how big is your waist and how big it the kilt at the waist. Next, how big is the kilt at the hips vs. your hips. If it is only a few inches, it is possible, BUT it depends on a lot of things. The method of manufacture of the kilt differs from kilt make to kilt maker. Best to have a kilt maker discect the kilt to determine the best method.