Internal Front Pockets

[kmehrtens]

I am looking into making my first kilt using the X-Kilt pattern/manual. I would however like to add two front pockets & possibly a single rear pocket (like pants) so I can wear the kilt to work. Does anyone have any info and/or pictures on how to go about this?

Thanks in Advance,
Kris

[Alaskan Kilted Guy]

First of all, welcome to the rabble! Second, and I am just curious, but why do you need pockets for work? Just curious....

[SteveB]

Hello and a warm from Boston, Massachusetts.
Check out the D.I.Y. Forum.. remember the search feature is your friend.

[kmehrtens]

I'm the kind of person that I carry a pocket knife, cell phone and wallet in my pockets (and really don't like to be without the pocket knife), but I work in a professional office (Architect) where I would wear a shirt and tie with the kilt but want the look of a "dress" kilt.

[cavscout]

Welcome to the neighborhood

So you are wanting to avoid using a sporran, I assume.

You might drop AlanH an PM and inquire directly to the originator of the X-Kilt.

[kmehrtens]

That would be correct on the sporran. Ok, stupid question, how would I go about contacting AlanH directly?

[cavscout]

I'm betting he will chime in here eventually but, go up to the top of the window and click on the "Quicklinks" menu and go to "Member List". From their find AlanH in the listing. click on his name and when his profile page opens there will be a link for Sending a PM to AlanH. Click it and type your message and it will be sent to his mailbox. That's it.

[SteveB]

First try AlanH, his thread is currently active on the X-Kilt. I believe some members of the forum have already added pockets. A popular pocket is one applied in the upper center of the under apron to hold goodies as well as to weigh it down for privacy whilst seated. In one thread that I can not find right away, a poster installed two front slash pockets. between the first and second pleat on each side of the kilt, as well as the under apron pocket to hold a vast quantity of supplies.
For the under apron pocket idea, check out WizardofBC (Freedom Kilts) above as it is a feature on the kilts Steve makes.

[ccga3359]

That would be correct on the sporran. Ok, stupid question, how would I go about contacting AlanH directly?

Well, if you're in the Bay area and you enjoy the occasional drink...

As good as the XKilt is, you might find it a little too casual for the office. Check out Freedom Kilts (link above) there you will find a suitable dressy casual kilt with all the pockets you desire. Unfortunatly they go for a bit more than $25. Having said all this, Alan does include instructions for cargo pockets.

Welcome from Ontario, Canada.

[The Wizard of BC]

If I understand Alan's intent when he designed the X Kilt, it was to come up with something simple enough that a novice could handle with confidence.

As soon as you start putting in pockets you are getting into the realm of a full blown Contemporary Kilt. Take my word for it, pockets add a whole new element to kiltmaking. To get a pocket to hang correctly without disrupting the swish of the pleats, and to not show unsightly bulges is not an easy thing. It also adds a great deal of time to the process. I usually spend almost as much time on the pockets of my kilts as I do on the kilt itself.

But also, I'm not trying to discourage you from trying, I just want you to understand what you are asking for.

There have been no really good instructions for a pocketed kilt. That is why I am trying to write "The Art of Contemporary Kiltmaking". But I find I am not a writer. I could talk you through the entire process, I just find it hard to write it down.