Pockets

[xman]

I'm thinking about my next kilt and considering sewing in a pocket or two.
I'm not interested in cutting the cloth so that'll put some limitations onto what's possible.

A 'Piper's Pocket' seems like a decent option


and/or something hidden attached to the apron lining.


I'd appreciate hearing the details of any such pockets having been put in and any advice about pitfalls or whatnot to be aware of before I commit to final pocket designs.

X

[Oddern]

The lining pocket is usefull for small things as money, small notes of paper or your cellphone instead of allways have to dive in to your sporran every time. Of course if you put some bulky objects in the pocket it may show trough the aporns. Things will also show more if you have two straps on the front apron.
I think the "Piper pocket" looks smart too. But non of these pockets are usefull for heavy or bulky objects.
Skål!

[Paul Henry]

I occasionally do a small pocket between the last pleats before the underapron,the pocket is actually made of cotton and fixed in between the pleats. This is fairly secure , but as with any pocket on a kilt shouldn't be over filled otherwise it will show.
The fringe on the front apron acts a a good foil to disguise the opening.
A few times I;ve put the pocket onthe otherside of the apron, and it's fine for a little loose change or a mobile phone, indeed even a few business cards!

[xman]

I occasionally do a small pocket between the last pleats before the underapron,

Do you mean under the reverse pleat? Do you cut the fabric or just leave it separated as for the buttonhole?

[thescot]

I have a kilt made by William MacIntosh several years ago with a small pocket similar to paulhenry's. People are delighted to see that it's there when I pull my cellphone out of it. It's only good for very small things, as mentioned. I only use it for a very flat cell phone or the occassional small wad of cash or coin purse (the small, flat rubber kind that you squeeze to open).

It's pretty handy sometimes, but, in fact, I rarely use it. I forget it's there when I wear that kilt, and since my other kilts don't have one, it's usually not used.

The application shown by paulhenry is very nice. Mine, too, is cotton on the inside and tends to be hidden by the apron fringe. I guess it could be a smoother material, but I fear that would facilitate small items sliding out too easily. The cotton provides a bit of friction.

[Gryphon noir]

The hidden pockets under the apron of my Freedom kilt are really a stroke of genius. It wouldn't occur to me to order such a thing, and yet, every time I wear my Hudson's Bay, I find that I have a use for the pockets.

Yes, I'm thinking that my next kilt just HAS to have pockets.....not huge saddle-bags on the sides, but something invisible and exquisitely crafted. Not an advertisement, but Steve does a marvelous job of this.

[BLHS209]

I will have to remember this when I make my kilt(s). Seems like a simple thing to do.

Chris Shepherd

[Paul Henry]

Do you mean under the reverse pleat? Do you cut the fabric or just leave it separated as for the buttonhole?

I don't cut any fabric, but I insert a cotton pocket between pleats, I have to put an extra piece of horsehair canvas inside the pleat to strengthen the edge of the fold. the pocket is carefully stitched in , and then I stitch the tartan layers together just to reinforce, which also helps to stop the pocket gaping too much.


[QUOTE=BLHS209]I will have to remember this when I make my kilt(s). Seems like a simple thing to do.

Chris Shepherd

It's fairly straightforward , but I'm not sure it's entirely simple, but it's certainly worthwhile giving it a go!

[Pyper]

I'm a piper, and I'm trying to figure out what I'd put into that pocket.

[xman]

... it's certainly worthwhile giving it a go!

It seems to me that the pocket opening would take up most of the fell stitching for that pleat. Does this change the Stability of the pleats? i mean do they seem loose? I assume you separate the hair canvas just as is done for the buttonhole as well or is this accomplished below the fell somehow?