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[KiltedRedneck]

Hello everyone,

I am a Senior in high school and for my senior project, I choose to make my family kilt (Davidson). Through the Clan Davidson Website I have found a vendor selling washable cotton material for $20 a yard and is 54 inches wide, being new to this I do not know if I should go with the cotton or find a better material, also I'm clueless as to how much I will need to make a kilt and how to make one. If any of you have information about the material for the kilt, how much it would require to make one and also how to make it; it would greatly appreciated.

Thank you

[GMan]

WELCOME!

I would recommend that you look into Barb T's book "The Art of Kiltmaking" available from www.celticdragonpress.com for your project. Ask questions, as there are great number of great kiltmakers that also hang out with us.

I think that it is great that you are doing. I am concerned about the material (cotton) may or may not be heavy enough, depending on the weave and type of cotton. I am sure other members would probably be able to give you better information than I.

Again glad that you are here and ood luck on your project!

[The Wizard of BC]

May I suggest you go to the "Kiltmakers Forum" section and look throught the thread Alan H posted on his kiltmaking experience. Most of the questions you ask will be covered there.

Then go to your library and check out the book "The Art of Kiltmaking" by one of our honored members, Barb Tewksbury.

Most of us would not think to make a family hierloom quality Tartan kilt from inexpensive Cotton yardage. Not to say it can't be done for a school project, but I don't think you will like the end product.

Welcome to our little corner of cyberspace. I hope to see you here often with reports on your project.

[Owl of Oban]

Welcome to the forum!
What a great idea for a senior project.

I'll simply echo what my colleagues have said above. You can't beat Barb's book for step by step instructions.

That said, and as it says in the book, be prepared to spend 40+ hours on your first kilt. To do it right, does take time.

Kilts can be made from any type of fabric. What varies is what the finished product will look like. A kilt, in my opinion, really needs a heavier weight fabric to hang right. Most kilts are made from worsted wool in the 10oz to 16oz range, but as you'll see browsing through this site, many great looking kilts are made from canvas and other similar materials.

Good luck with it and have fun!

[Andrew Breecher]

However, I would recommend doing the kilt first in your inexpensive fabric, because as your first kilt, you'll very likely make a few small mistakes. Once you've learned how to fix those mistakes, then make the kilt again in a more expensive wool cloth.

I, of course, have never made a kilt in my life, so take my advice with a grain of salt.

Andrew.

[Sherry]

Welcome to the forum. I have Davidson connections as well.

The Davidson Clan site says that the fabric is lightweight, so I'd be inclined to reject it for a kilt. Kilts need weight to them to hang & swing properly.

Sherry

[Riverkilt]

Welcome,

You're a brave and daring lad...good luck with the project.

Ron

[Big Paul]

Welcome to the forum.