X-kilt #3 - Black

[12stones]

I'm starting to get the hang of it now. I've still got issues with hand-stitching the waistband, so if anyone has the secret to even stitches, let me know. Also, need to work on the over-apron a bit. It's slightly skewed. Anyway, here it is...

[hospitaller]

Looking good!

[sydnie7]

. . .if anyone has the secret to even stitches. . .

Hate to say this, but the "secret" is patience and practice. That's why they used to make young girls sew samplers!

Some fabrics make it easier than others. If you can see a thread pattern, you can use it to "measure" between your stitches to create even spacing. That is, take a stitch every three* threads (* or whatever count results in the stitch spacing you desire).

If you're talking about how much of the stitch shows, rather than the gap, try running your needle beneath the lower fabric and only coming up at the point where you want to take a stitch into the upper fabric. On something as heavy as multiple layers of denim, it may be easier to use a small upholstery needle -- these are curved, so you dig the point in and it comes out "automatically" a short ways away. Upholstery needles are available at most fabric stores, usually on a card in assorted sizes.

Hope this helps! I've yet to tackle my first XKilt (but have hand-sewn a wool tartan, and have been doing machine and hand needlework since junior high).

[12stones]

Thanks. I'm not worried about how much shows, I just want the stitches to be even and straight. Is there a way to mark it or something? I guess I'm just gonna have to keep making x-kilts to get it perfect.

[sydnie7]

Thanks. I'm not worried about how much shows, I just want the stitches to be even and straight. Is there a way to mark it or something? I guess I'm just gonna have to keep making x-kilts to get it perfect.

I've always just "eye'd" the gap between stitches, if the fabric doesn't have an even pattern or weave to help set the gap. I suppose you could get really an*l and mark the inner waistband every 1/8 inch (straightedge and some marker that will show on the fabric without rubbing off during all the handling). But that seems like a lot of trouble for something that, presumably, only you will ever see!

I've hand-hemmed countless yards of skirts, dresses and the like, where it really shows. Waistbands are hidden and, to me, much easier -- I do a neat job, but don't obsess.

BTW, great job on all your kilts! I especially liked the "pleated to the spot" camo But I've got to grind out curtains for about 15 windows before I can play with kilts again. . .