Maple Leaf Tartan Kilt Help!

**Markparkinson** · 28th April 15, 06:05 PM

RockyR I have sent you a PM about the Kilt

**Markparkinson** · 7th May 15, 02:27 PM

Kilt arrived today, super fast shipping ... fits great, looks fantastic ... RockyR you make a nice Kilt

Thanks

Mark

**Pit Rat** · 9th May 15, 04:12 PM

Well! I did it!
I was given a "classified ad" from Dixiecat of a local second hand Maple Leaf tartan kilt. I went to try it on, and it was a snug fit, but I bought it anyway! Couldn't say no to the quality, price or convenience.

My question now is: Can you move the straps in at all on a kilt? I'm sitting at the LAST hole possible making it as very snug fit. If the whole strap + square material piece hold it on could move inward a little I could achieve the middle few holes in the leather straps. Is this do-able? Will it make it fit more comfortably?

PS: I tried to attach photos but it's all messed up. Anybody have any advice for THAT?

**Markparkinson** · 9th May 15, 04:30 PM

google "kilt strap extenders" its a temporary fix but they work. For a more permanent solution I bow to the collective knowledge of the rabble

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th May 15, 04:55 PM

Moving the straps and buckles on a kilt is a fairly easy job. Anyone with the ability to hand stitch can do it.

But a few cautions.

If you are making a kilt larger please take a look at where the outer apron overlap the under apron. For the first couple of inches having the under apron peeking out from behind the outer apron is not a problem. It just looks like another pleat.
But after about 2 inches it becomes very apparent that the kilt is too small.

Kilt straps and buckles are not sewn to the outer Tartan fabric. They are actually sewn completely through the outer fabric and to the internal stabilizer of the kilt. This stabilizer is hidden behind the kilt liner and many people don't even know its there.
But it you do not catch the stabilizer with the stitching when you sew the straps and buckles to their new locations you greatly weaken the kilt. All the stress of strapping the kilt on are transferred to the weak Tartan fabric. The Tartan fabric will be distorted and you will have stitches pop if you don't sew all the way through to the stabilizer.

And finally do not remove all the straps and buckles. You only move the right hand side buckles and the left strap on the under apron.

**Pit Rat** · 10th May 15, 08:15 AM

Wha Hae!
I remember that I have a photobucket!
Anywho, that's 'er. She's a beaut.
I'll take a picture of it later with me in it. Just to show how "tight" it is.
It's as if the right side straps are almost on my back. As the back picture shows. They're almost on the small of my back.

So my thought was to move them out a little bit.

**Kilted cabin boy** · 10th May 15, 10:38 AM

It looks great. I love my Maple Leaf made by Rocky.Enjoy!!!!!! Waiting for pictures.

**OC Richard** · 13th May 15, 06:05 AM

Congratulations on you purchase! A lovely kilt indeed.

Originally Posted by Pit Rat

I've seen this tartan go towards more orange or even more green to a really washed out red.

I've seen Maple Leaf many times in person, and many times in photos, and it's always looked beautiful to me. The colours are so rich and warm.

And thanks Thistledown for the photos of the original colours.

**Pit Rat** · 17th May 15, 12:13 PM

Well here's the situation. It does fit, but it would be nice to have it more roomy.
So that's what my plan is. Move the strap pieces over a bit so it's not so snug. As you see it's on the last possible hole.
It certainly doesn't LOOK LIKE rocket surgery.