Planning for alterations when making a kilt

[Pleater]

I decided to wear kilts when losing weight as I thought that it would be the easy option, rather than buying a succession of cheap garments in smaller sizes.

I did start out making standard kilts and just narrowing the visible part of the pleats from time to time. I pleated to the stripe to make it easier.

As time went on I simplified the construction, stopped sewing down the pleats and changed to Kingussie and then reverse Kingussie pleating.
Some pieces of fabric were remade four times as I lost 14 inches from my waist.

If your hip measurement remains the same and your waist narrows just baste the pleats at hip level then remove the waist band and narrow the upper part of the fell, replace the waistband and sew on the straps.

It would be best to make an internal fastening on the left, not making a buttonhole slit for the strap to go through, as that would be the easier option.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Grunthos]

Some pieces of fabric were remade four times as I lost 14 inches from my waist

Wow! That's a great accomplishment. Congratulations on your success!

[roy croft]

Thank you for your insights, Anne.

Based on Steve Ashton's reply I'm already planning on putting the left strap on the inside. Your discussion of how to adjust the pleats was really great. I've been putting off making/getting the new kilt because of my concern that it won't fit properly for long, but your and Steve's responses make me think that I can probably adjust a kilt I make without too much difficulty, so I think I'll proceed this fall with making my first kilt.

I'm sure I'll have more questions as I go, but there's a wealth of information already in these fora, so I think I'll be fine without being too imposing.

Slàinte!