Help Choosing X-Kilt Fabric?

[HalfPint]

I am making X-Kilts for my husband and his brother. We have finished the first version using some cotton duck that we already had. It has been deemed "too stiff" by the menfolk, so I am looking for a softer twill-weave. Our fabric shop is useless, and buying fabric I've never touched makes me nervous.

I am trying to avoid a poly-blend because I hate sewing artificial fabrics. I've considered a 100% Cotton or Hemp/Cotton blend, and am looking for the voice of experience. Anyone?

Also, what is more important, weight or hand? Will a lighter weight, drapier fabric be better than a stiff-but-heavy one?

Thanks in advance!

[vorpallemur]

What you want is fabric suitable for making trousers. I've made non traditional kilts of cotton duck, cotton twill, cotton-poly blends, wool, wool blends, and the ones I like best are, in order, the all wool, the cotton poly, and the wool blend.

Cotton poly has a bunch of advantages, it's hard wearing, it will take a crease, but it doesn't wrinkle as much as pure cotton does, it's available in a range of weights, colors, and can be had reasonably cheaply. Some of it's better than others, of course.

The all cotton twill I made were always wrinkled, got shiny spots at wear marks quickly, and didn't hang as well. (The same fabric made up into a nice pair of trousers, which weren't terribly prone to wrinkling.)

You don't say where you are, so I can't make suggestions about sources.

[tundramanq]

Halfpint, I soften my ducks by putting them in washer for a 1/2 hour wash cycle with a cup of Downy fabric softener only. Hang dry with straightend pleats ( I use weighted wooden clothespins ) Then tumble them in a cold dryer for 15 to 30 minutes with 12 tennis balls. After the first wash and soften round, I just use Downy in the rinse and the tennis ball routine.
They come out quite soft from the pounding. Being cotton duck, a bit of touchup iron work is required at times.

[Tartan Hiker]

Cotton poly all the way for me. Done the all cotton...never again.

If it's fabric designed for outdoor wear, it will be heavy enough. If military or hunting camo is a possibility, I have a link for you.

[Nik]

I recently went to Joann Fabric and bought 4 yd of this stuff, in khaki. Seems pretty good, even though it feels like it's a bit light. But really I'll see how my x-kilt turns out with it. Also keep an eye for sales and coupons. They were running it 40% off, so 7.99 - 40% + (-20% off total) = awesome!

Good luck.

[cessna152towser]

The JoAnn Fabrics tartans are rather light weight for making kilts, they are more popular for use in domestic curtains and tablecloths. I have a few yards of JoAnn Fabrics Cunningham tartan which I use for display on my clan tent. I'd be interested to see how a kilt turns out in this light fabric.

[sydnie7]

The Joann tartans and the "Target" range of solids (linked by Nik) are two different fabrics. Similar in weight but the Target seems to have a bit more body, just IMHO and from memory of buying both. The Target is a good starting point for your first XKilt, once your feet are wet you will be looking at all sorts of fabric and thinking, hmmmmm, would that work?

Welcome to the addiction!

[Alan H]

Look for the Hemp / recycled polyester twill. I know it's polyester, but it's at least recycled and attempts to be somewhat eco-friendly. I made a kilt out of this stuff and while it's not cheap, it is without a doubt the nicest stuff I have ever used to make a contemporary kilt out of.

http://www.hemptraders.com/product_i...roducts_id=281

That's the "natural" color...

Charcoal, very dark, almost black. I made my kilt out of this...

http://www.nearseanaturals.com/item.php?id=1542

It's also available in "indigo"...think, "blue jeans" and an olive drab.