Another hom-made kilt

[Martin Fr]

I have just finished making myself a kilt, and am both surprised and pleased with the result ; it turned out easier than I had feared.

Quite by chance, I saw some tartan fabric in shop, Stewart grey, and couldn’t resist. 2 metres of double width, plenty for my 28-inch waist. I decided to go for few pleats, but deep ones, pleating to the stripe. In this way, the kilt is lightweight, but has swing, and there were no complicated calculations to find work out where to put the folds. A lot of pinning up, repinning, stitching and restitching, but I did it.

I pleated it so that there was a maximum of red showing at the back when hanging straight, the light grey becoming visible as the pleats move. It’s a deeper red than the orangy red of a Royal Stewart, and the contrast is quite striking.

I didn’t bother with a lining. A leather belt will stop strain on the cloth or the stitiching.

It’s polyester, and I have no idea whether this will prove a good material, but for the moment it looks good. Unfortunately, the weather has now turned cold, so the new kilt is no longer suitable, but I have 3 heavyweight and 3 lightweight wool kilts to get me through the winter, so I won’t freeze.

Ah, to think that less than a month ago, light cotton kilt and shirt were more than enough (sigh).

Martin,
In Grenoble, France.
A

[Freelander Sporrano]

Sounds Great Martin .
How about some pictures

Oh! Did you use a patern if so which. Im thinking of having a go myself.

[Mike1]

I am in awe of you fellows that can create clothing. I can (and have) tuned drag cars to countless #1 qualifying positions and national records galore, but would have absolutely zero idea of what to with with a needle and thread. (I imagine I would hurt myself with it, actually )

I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy...

Peace,
Mike

[mcnice]

my self made kilts only were casual ones yet. next i ll try with help from my mother to make as well some with deep pleats. nice to hear that u did it.
have u ever seen somebdy wearing the kilt in grenoble?
amicalement

[GMan]

One thing since I have started hanging out on this forum that continually crosses my mind is that I too want to make my own kilt. Granted it may not be as good as the others I have but it would give me such a great sense of accomplishment

I admire all those who make their own.

Now to find the time

[bubba]

Well Glen, winter is coming. Get some fabric and give it a go.

[GMan]

Believe me Bubba, it is crossing my mind. Already checked out a couple of fabric stores and patterns, so who knows

Now after reading Martin's post today it really gave me the inspiration

[bubba]

Glen, I recommend getting the Folkwear pattern set. The instructions are very good. It'll make the process easier for you.

[MDR-V300]

Congratulations, Martin!

I know I felt very self-satisfied when I finished my first kilt. Wear it around the house, if it's too cold outside.

And Gman, I think making yourself a kilt is a fine wintertime project. In the wintertime, quand nous avons souvent notre cafard, keeping our hands busy is key.

You know you're bound to do it eventually anyway...

[bubba]

I just started on a cold weather kilt. There's a pic of the fabric in my gallery, 4 dollar plaid. It's about a 15 oz wool I got at Hancock Fabrics on clearance.