My journey as a kiltmaker -> WARNING, excessively long post.

**OC Richard** · 21st July 13, 05:49 AM

Well it's an amazing journey of exploration and learning!

So much experimentation! So much sheer hard work!

How many do you think would come under the description of a traditional kilting-weight wool full-yardage (7 or 8 yard) kilt?

BTW I have no idea what an X-Kilt is, but it sure sounds cool. Like the X-Men might wear.

My own kiltmaking experience has been the opposite: taking an Elsie Stuehmeyer class and making a thoroughly traditional, utterly un-experimental kilt under strict guidance.

**Father Bill** · 21st July 13, 05:51 AM

Yeah, well that's what I was asking. I still have no idea what makes an X-Kilt an "X."

**plaid preacher** · 21st July 13, 06:41 AM

Probably the best way to figure out what an x-kilt is ... is to grab the instructions from the DIY section here or check out some photos. It is a box-pleated, non-traditional kilt. Easy and fun to make (IMHO), and as Alan says ...an opportunity to learn and at the end you have something to wear.

What's not to like about that!

**Father Bill** · 21st July 13, 08:49 AM

Got it. http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...ownload-20085/

Thanks PP. Now I know.

**MNlad** · 21st July 13, 05:21 PM

One of the great features of the X-Kilt, as many forum members have discovered, is it so easily lends itself to modifications--Rev K, pockets, wide apron, narrow apron, belt loops, straps, attachment points . . . It's whatever you want it to be. Once you've read through the instructions a couple of time and have one under your belt, you begin to understand the process and reasoning behind it and can take it anywhere you want from that point on. Thanks again, Alan.

**Alan H** · 22nd July 13, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by jhockin

and there is also your MacNaughton ( F&K fabric) that you documented, for us, on this forum ( & tho i've made around 10, so far, i still haven't made mine )

Right....that's #36! How could I forget that one, sheesh, it's hanging in my closet!

**Alan H** · 22nd July 13, 11:27 AM

OC Richard...I've made about 5-6 "pretty traditional" kilts, as in the pleats are completely handsewn, and the inside of the pleats are cut out, and some significant bits of the rest of the kilt are handsewn as well. Oh, and the material is 13 or 16 ounce wool. However, I have yet to make any kilt where ALL of it is handsewn. Bits like the inside of the waistband....it just doesn't make any sense to handsew that, when machine-sewing is stronger and it's invisible.

MNLad ---- One of the great features of the X-Kilt, as many forum members have discovered, is it so easily lends itself to modifications--Rev K, pockets, wide apron, narrow apron, belt loops, straps, attachment points . . . It's whatever you want it to be. Once you've read through the instructions a couple of time and have one under your belt, you begin to understand the process and reasoning behind it and can take it anywhere you want from that point on.

EXACTLY. For even the worst craftsman, someone who's never sewn before and is clueless, they can make one, following the directions and now they have an idea what goes into making a kilt of any style. Make two, and they're really starting to get it. For the third one, it's time for anybody to start making them THEIR way....not "my" way.... and this is for the WORST dork with a sewing machine. Besides, the transition from X-kilt to a tartan box-pleat kilt is not difficult to make. Obviously the width of the box pleats will change but all the principles are basically the same.

The X-Kilt...a learning experience and a doorway to further kiltmaking, if anybody wants to use it for that.

Father Bill, why is it called the "X-Kilt"? ....uhhhhh... what's the name of the site we're posting on?