kilt making instructions akaussie

[David Woodington]

This site had some good info,and if our resident kilt makers look at it maybe they can make some suggestions as to how accurate the info. is. Go to http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/chegc/kiltsite/kilt.htm I hope this can help.Now for those of us who like cookies (the edible kind)I would like to share some of my welsh heritage and turn you guys onto this site http://www.infamouswelshcookies.com
I get these every year at our festival and also order them for christmas.My personal favorite is the original.

later
dave

[T90 Tim]

Thanks David. I've got an idea in me head for a neat style of kilt and have been playing around with pleats by studying my Utilikilt, looks like this page will help out a bit.

[Xcop]

Thanks David,
I'm just about to start my first kilt, and another set of instructions is great...I like these ones too.

David

[akaussie]

thanks David, have copied to disk and will print them out and have a go. cheers mate Andrew

[Jimmy Carbomb]

This site had some good info,and if our resident kilt makers look at it maybe they can make some suggestions as to how accurate the info. is.

Well, I checked out the entire thing, and there's no complaints from me! Sure it's a little wordy, but then they're trying to explain every instance that you'll be dealing with.

The BEST advise that I can offer on top of this is with the tartan and fabric selection.

Tartans: try to find one with a pattern that will require a repeat in it of 5.5" to 7". That way, when you match-up the field pattern (or do it by the stripe) you'll have the right amount of material in the under pleat. If you don't have enough depth, the pleats will flatten-out when you wear it.

Fabric: try to find something that is NOT too thick. There are a ton of blanket-weight wool tartans available, but they will only break your needles and your patience. Since the Poly-Viscose is not readily available in the USA, you can try to get a Cotton-Twill, Poly-Twill, or a lighter wool.

If I may suggest, hit ebay and look for "Tartan fabric" or "Tartan material" or "Plaid fabric" etc. You can narrow it by including the base color of the fabric that you want too, like "Red Plaid Fabric". If Judy's Notions still has anything... she's a GREAT source for it.

Here's one of her auctions for some Cameron:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2358237102

Here's another for some GREAT generic tartan:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=2379011521

Hit her shop to see what's available in color and quantity. I've sewn-up both of the above materials, and they're great! Don't forget... you're going to use half of the width of the material... which makes a 5 yard purchase, a 10 yard purchase (if you join the two cut halves together). That also makes a $2.30 per yard purchase, a $1.15 per yard purchase. How about making a kilt at THAT price?!!!Good luck!

[bubba]

This is another one that's really nice. http://www.bestfabric.com/cgi-bin/sh.../SID=113657492
It's the MacKinlay that I have in my gallery. The price is good and it's nice fabric to work with.

[Xcop]

Thanks again Jimmy, I have been trying to find a poly viscose material and most people look at me like I'm nuts. I have settled for a polycotton twil, that looks easy enough to use. I have taken Bubbas advice and am taking a sewing class, and have several sets of plans which I have read and re=read. I think I'm ready...well maybe.. I'm using plain fabric for my first attempt before I try my hand at tartan wool one.

David

[bubba]

David, I think you'll find a simple tartan pattern is easier to pleat. It gives you reference points where plain fabric doesn't. With plain fabric I make a template so I get the pleats even easier.

[Xcop]

THANKS, you have just confirmed what I thought I should do.. I thought that tartan would be easier, but I have never taken the easy road...no need to start now..

David