Apron shape?

[Steve Ashton]

The shaping of the apron edges will depend on what fabric you plan to use and what style of kilt you want to make.

If you plan to use wool it will help the apron take a pleasing shape if you taper the edges outward from the waist to the hips. You will then be able to continue that shaping in a gentle "S" curve down to the hem.
Wool has the ability to form under heat and take compound curves.



This is an apron for a wool kilt to fit a guy 6 ft. tall with a 36 inch waist, 45.5 inch hips and a total length of 23.5 inches. That is a drop of 21.5 inches and 2 inches of rise above the top strap.

If you plan to use a Poly/Cotton fabric or most of the other solid colored fabrics you still taper the apron edges but the edges are done with straight lines because these fabrics do not take the compound curves that will will.

The goal when making a kilt with full width aprons is that the outer edges should fall straight down vertically at about where the side seams of trousers would be. This is why we taper the apron edges.

If you plan on making a kilt with a narrow apron like a Utilikilt there is no need to put any shaping in the aprons at all.

[Derekc5555]

The shaping of the apron edges will depend on what fabric you plan to use and what style of kilt you want to make.

If you plan to use wool it will help the apron take a pleasing shape if you taper the edges outward from the waist to the hips. You will then be able to continue that shaping in a gentle "S" curve down to the hem.
Wool has the ability to form under heat and take compound curves.



This is an apron for a wool kilt to fit a guy 6 ft. tall with a 36 inch waist, 45.5 inch hips and a total length of 23.5 inches. That is a drop of 21.5 inches and 2 inches of rise above the top strap.

If you plan to use a Poly/Cotton fabric or most of the other solid colored fabrics you still taper the apron edges but the edges are done with straight lines because these fabrics do not take the compound curves that will will.

The goal when making a kilt with full width aprons is that the outer edges should fall straight down vertically at about where the side seams of trousers would be. This is why we taper the apron edges.

If you plan on making a kilt with a narrow apron like a Utilikilt there is no need to put any shaping in the aprons at all.

Is it necessary to taper from my waist to the full width of my seat? That would put the taper at almost a 45 degree angle. The top of the apron would be 14" wide and the bottom of the apron would be 30" wide. Does that sound right? I feel that is too wide of a taper.

[Steve Ashton]

If - you are talking about how a traditional kilt is made IAW "The Art of Kiltmaking", then you must determine your splits. The width of the apron is just over 1/2 of your waist and just less than 1/2 of your hips.

You say that your waist circumference, taken with a tape measure at the place you wish to wear the straps and buckles, is 28 inches, and your hip circumference, taken with a tape measure at the widest part of your hips and butt is 36 inches, (and yes, that is 8 inches difference, so more taper than average) then -

Your splits would be about - waist = 14.5" in the apron/13.5" in the pleats" and your hips = 17" in the apron/19" in the pleats.

You apron would then be 14.5" at the bottom of the Rise tapering out to 17" at the bottom of the Fell.

[Derekc5555]

Steve,
I drew out the apron with the dimensions you suggested and it looks WAY better then what I came up with before. I'm definitely going to use those measurements, and buy the book you mentioned earlier. Thank you for the help.

[Steve Ashton]

To find a copy of "The Art of Kiltmaking" please contact the author Barb Tewksbury. Her logo is on the right side banner of advertisers. Or you can visit her site CelticDragonPress.com.
Barb is a member here and she is very happy when people contact her.

[Derekc5555]

I believe I've talked with her before. I will do so. Thank you.