First attempt to make a kilt

[AlanBrown]

Hello Raddle!

As I said in my presentation I have attempted to make a full kilt literally starting from scratch. Please note that I said "attempted" because I was not sure of what final look I wanted to get. Finally I made this "similar to kilt" with a non-traditional design, even if it was not my objective. I am aware that this is not the way a traditional kilt is made, but since I got to like the final results I want to share it with you to hear your opinions!.

Let's get down to business:
At first I didn't know where to start so I just figured out to start with the kilt itself and went to an antique cloth shop and bought a good piece of wool plaid fabric. I copied the sewing from my girlfriend's old school skirt and let a straight part on the front, with fringes at the end. I also added an extra piece of cloth in the inner part to prevent scratchy segments. For the strap I used synthetic leather and a silver buckle.
The final results:
Front: 20170630_235220.jpg Back: 20170630_235313.jpg

As soon as I finished that I started looking for a Belt and buckle but I couldn't find anything even similar to what I was loking so I started doing the sporran with the hope of finding it later. I wish I had known this page before because it would have saved me a lot of work. I started with a piece of synthetic leather (same of the kilt strap) marked and cutted an U shaped piece freehand and tryied to make it look like a sporran but it was impossible. At the end I decided to make it in 2 pieces: one for the bag part and the other for the top, and it worked!. Then I sewed a straight piece of leather on the back side to hold the chain, big enoguh to prevent rotation. At last I added the 3 metal buttons, laces and tassels. Here it's finished:
Front: 20170630_235439.jpg Back20170630_235522.jpg

I was still looking for the belt, but at that point I realized I will not be able to find one so I bought a stainless steel plate and marked it with a hammer and a screwdriver. Rustic? yes! did it worked? you can tell:
20170630_235356.jpg

For the final details I made a pair of red flashes and a black bonnet.
The final outfit looked like this:
20170630_224353.jpg 20170630_233532.jpg

[Tarheel]

I like the final ensemble. It has a cultured look. There will be comments about the alignment of the stripes in your pleats, but I think your next kilt will need more symmetry in the pattern. You might find two buckles in the front will secure the kilt onto your hips better (reducing the sliding feeling) and provide a solid construction.

Let us know how your kilt performs during times out while at play.

[derosa]

It does look the part, and the final pics do show a good overall appearance so well done.

[Laird O'the Cowcaddens]

A nice first attempt, wear it with pride. On a side note, am I correct in saying that you reversed the position of the buckle and strap ?.