Shortening a kilt?

[Woodsheal]

Here's a used MOD kilt in my waist size (rare!), but way too long for me. Is it possible to shorten such a kilt by 4-5 inches? If so, how much would the job cost me?
Would LOVE to own a heavy-weight army kilt...!

http://cgi.ebay.com/Scottish-ROYAL-R...item230a64bd83

[Livingston]

I shortened my Stillwater Heavyweight by about 2 - 3 inches by hand myself. Wasn't hard, just time consuming. You should be able to shorten yours by that much without a problem.

[Woodsheal]

I shortened my Stillwater Heavyweight by about 2 - 3 inches by hand myself. Wasn't hard, just time consuming. You should be able to shorten yours by that much without a problem.

Did you leave the edge "raw" or hem it? Certain wool fabrics will hold a raw edge quite well without fraying, but I don't know if that holds true for twill-woven tartan....

[acolander]

T'is possible.. Shortening it from the top would be the most preferred method, which of course may require add'l alterations to the box pleats for it to hang correctly, ie sewing them a bit further down than where they are now.

At the end of the day though, it may still be less to have the alterations done than to have an identical one made w/ the military box pleats.

Did you leave the edge "raw" or hem it? Certain wool fabrics will hold a raw edge quite well without fraying, but I don't know if that holds true for twill-woven tartan....

To add, leaving a raw edge on this kilt would not be recommended as it will come apart unless secured in some manner. As to hemming, it may prove somewhat difficult and perhaps not hang as well due to the heavier wt (16oz+) wool and box pleats.

Just my tuppence for what it's worth owning one of these myself.

[Woodsheal]

T'is possible.. Shortening it from the top would be the most preferred method, which of course may require add'l alterations to the box pleats for it to hang correctly, ie sewing them a bit further down than where they are now.

At the end of the day though, it may still be less to have the alterations done than to have an identical one made w/ the military box pleats.

I'm thinking more along the lines of having the excess length hacked off at the bottom edge, then somehow dealing with the new non-selvedge.

[acolander]

I edited my post above re a raw edge or hemming after seeing your 2nd post that I initially missed when replying (@ work now). But to add further, a raw edge that is secured/sewn to prevent the fabric coming apart would perhaps be/look better as opposed to a hem for the reasons previously noted - wool weight & pleats.

[SmokinScotsman]

I am curious as to where and why you are wanting to change the waist to. Historically the Highland Regiments wore the kilt high, well above the waist, just under the ribs. Are you not wanting this kilt to represent that fact? Are you wanting to wear it at your natural waist? I am no expert by any means, but I have been told that resizing a kilt in any way is more work than making one from scratch.

[muirkirkca]

I have had a couple of PV kilts lengthened ( re-hemmed ) by an expert tailor for about $15 CDN. Final result was great. Nothing like asking one for advice. Only proceed if you feel comfortable with their response.

[Woodsheal]

Unless he is quite tall, I'm pretty sure a 28 inch kilt is going to have excessive rise. Seems to me the army kilts I have were 25 inches for heights 5'11-6'0.

Shortening it will take some care I think....if it is like mine, it is very heavy wool.

I'm 5' 8.5" tall, and my "regular" kilts are 22" in total length. I'm thinking a military high-rise should be around 24" in length - max! - for my height.

[Cygnus]

I know Lady Chrystel often hems the kilts she makes, and Barb T. has mentioned that a number of her band's kilts are hemmed and that you can really only tell the difference by handling the kilt.

So, if it's done well, I'm sure there won't be a problem.