Sewing Practice

**Jeremiah** · 28th January 07, 04:24 PM

Ever since I discovered the wonder of kilts, I have wanted to make my own. However, I have no sewing experience beyond patches and that sort of thing. Could anyone recommend exercises or projects that would help me gain experience?

**ccga3359** · 28th January 07, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Jeremiah

Ever since I discovered the wonder of kilts, I have wanted to make my own. However, I have no sewing experience beyond patches and that sort of thing. Could anyone recommend exercises or projects that would help me gain experience?

Same boat, just bought 4 yds camo fabric on ebay and am going to knock off an X-Kilt. $20.00 and hope to get a fairly decent kilt the first time, if not rip the stiches and try again.

**ccga3359** · 28th January 07, 05:12 PM

Here's a link if you need it http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...ghlight=x-kilt.

**Jeremiah** · 28th January 07, 08:16 PM

thanks, that looks awesome. I am going to borrow my sister's sewing machine and give this one a shot.

**Alan H** · 28th January 07, 08:29 PM

Good luck! If you have questions, post 'em in here!

**Jeremiah** · 28th January 07, 08:34 PM

I'll be sure to do that! I'm totally new to this, so I'm sure the first one will be terrible.

**Sorcha Griannon** · 28th January 07, 11:40 PM

The one thing that I can recommend before you make your kilt would be to practice-practice-practice on $1 a yard fabric. Since you are new to sewing, you need to get this feel for the machine, learn and practice a couple basic techniques and, maybe most importantly, put together a mock-up of your kilt in the cheap fabric to check fit, any problems with your pleats, ect BEFORE you even touch your good fabric. This will make your life easier, trust me on this. Yes, it will take you longer to get to your finished product, but your finished kilt will look better and last longer if you do the prep work first.
Plus, since your sister has a sewing machine, ask her for help anytime you need it...hopefully she will be able to get you past any tricky spots.

Sorcha

**Alan H** · 29th January 07, 12:46 PM

I have to agree. Get your sis to teach you how to thread the machine andwind bobbins and stuff like that. Then get some scraps and sew a couple or yards of straight lines.Then sew a couple of yards of zig-zags..... THEN get out your twill for the X-Kilt.

don't even THINK about using $60 a yard wool for your first kilt!

And make an X-Kilt out of solid coloror camo....not tartan.

**Jeremiah** · 29th January 07, 01:41 PM

yeah, I was gonna try making a canvas kilt first. I think I might ask my Grandmother to give me sewing lessons actually. She grew up during the Great Depression and used to make her own clothes. I bet she has a few tricks stored up in that head of hers.

**ScottInNewHampshire** · 31st January 07, 08:51 PM

Here's another thing I have found that's helpful (and often forgotten), change the sewing machine needle fairly often. While it's true that the machine will still push through the many layers, its better for the machine and the material if your machine's needle is sharp. They're cheap enough and come in a variety of types. If you're sewing canvas, look for a sturdy needle (like for sewing denim). Have fun and you'll love your first kilt (even if its not perfect).