First DIY kilt underway

[ChattanCat]

Getting very close to completion. Started sewing the waistband yesterday. After that, it's down to buckles, straps and pressing. I think it's possible that I may be wearing this one tomorrow while laying out the Xmarks tartan!
I had the misconception that after the pleating it would go quickly. It hasn't. Lots of detail work. Maybe this is a sensory distortion caused by anticipation?

I'd say the pleating is about half of the work and the most repetitious.

[usonian]

I had the misconception that after the pleating it would go quickly. It hasn't. Lots of detail work. Maybe this is a sensory distortion caused by anticipation?

On the one kilt I've made thus far I definitely had a false sense of being "almost done" when I got that last pleat sewn down. It was a little discouraging to realize how many steps were still left, but if you just keep moving ahead one step at a time it goes reasonably quickly.

[flyrod6057]

On the one kilt I've made thus far I definitely had a false sense of being "almost done" when I got that last pleat sewn down. It was a little discouraging to realize how many steps were still left, but if you just keep moving ahead one step at a time it goes reasonably quickly.

Agreed! The pleats may be the most visible part, but I also found that the internal components took the majority of the time!

[David Thorpe]

Well, it's essentially done! Still have to take out all the basting and add sporran strap loops (tomorrow), but I had it on. It fits, well, like it was made for me.
Thanks for all the encouragement and helpful hints. Xmarks PV is next!

[ChattanCat]

Lining it too?

[David Thorpe]

I didn't use a lining in this one. I extended the waistband down 3" on the inside. I have another kilt that was done that way and works and fits fine. Neither did I cut the pleat tops, but rather used several rows of steeking, again from that same other kilt (in the same fabric, different tartan).
I wore this one all day today as a "shakedown cruise". Felt great. Got a few wrinkles from two hours in the car before I got any photos, so they will be delayed yet again.

[tekdiver500ft]

I don't know much about kilt-making, but it looks good so far!

[David Thorpe]

Here's the first pic, car-sitting wrinkles and all. I have since repositioned the apron strap so that the lines on the apron and pleats are inline.

[AJBryant]

Dang, that's a nice job. Color me impressed. (Okay, color me tartan, of the clan MacImpressed.)

[Pleater]

That is a good first kilt - but, I can't help but notice that you need a bit more taper in the pleats - the horizontal indent at the bottom of the fell indicates a classic 'fitting fault'. I suspect that you did not add ease to your rump measurement - a little extra width so that the garment floats over the body rather than acts as a second skin.

I've been making garments for about 55 years, and I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so it is nothing serious, but you might get a few stitches pulling.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: