measurements...

**Sean Wilson** · 17th July 16, 12:38 PM

This might seem like a silly question, but I've searched for it in various threads and can't find an answer....

When making the kilt and checking the final measurements around the pleated area - the bit that usually curves. Do you measure from left to right apron at the waist and fell around the curve ( as with the cloth measure in the photo below) or simply straight across (as with the wooden ruler in the photo).

I'd say follow the curve... but am I right?
20160717_194549.jpg

PS: I'm almost sure Barbara T. always adds half an inch to the hip measurement when making (maybe the waist too) but like wise I can't find the tread again...

**The Wizard of BC** · 17th July 16, 12:48 PM

Hi Sean,

To measure just the Fell (The sewn down and tapered portion) you follow the curve of the Tartan pattern.

If you are trying to find the waist size of the kilt -

You take your measurement at the level of the top strap and buckle.
If your kilt is made IAW TAoK you do not measure the first inch of the outer apron. (TAoK has you add 1" to the right side of the outer apron)

Then with a tape, start at the right edge of the outer apron at the height of the top strap. Follow the Tartan pattern across the apron and the curve of the Fell.
Stop when you reach the right side of the under apron. (The outer apron over laps the under apron so you don't measure both aprons.)

The resulting length on your tape is the waist size of the kilt. The kilt in this photo has a waist size of 34 inches.

**Sean Wilson** · 17th July 16, 03:03 PM

Thank you Steve... just what I thought but nice to have it confirmed.

**Barb T** · 20th July 16, 06:04 AM

HI Sean,

Couple things. First, you're talking about actually making a kilt and checking the size, correct? As Steve says, you need to measure along the curve at the level of the bottom of the fell. Be sure to flare the kilt completely at the bottom of the fell so that you get an accurate measurement. If the kilt is already basted, you can only do this if you fold the kilt just below the bottom of the fell.

And yes - I always add an extra 1/2" to the measurements when I make a kilt, and then put the buckles on at the actual measurements. That allows someone to expand a little without having the underapron show. The fact that the apron will cover a little of the pleats isn't at all noticeable, but, if even only a little of the underapron shows because the kilt is 1/4" too small, it's really obvious that the kilt is too small.