Canvas Kilt, ACK!!!!

[Gaian]

I have read this thread with a great deal of interest. Thanks to the kilt makers that have responded. It is great to see that everyone is willing to help.

I have made about 25 contemporary kilts now. Trying to find the right formula and pattrern. You guys oare on the right track. I will have to post some pics so you can see but that wil be another thread.

I had a Utilikilt Chocolate Workman's. I sold it because I did not like the stiffness of the material even after many washings. The good news is I had bought it used and sold it for more than Paid for it! Gotta love that. I did take the time to examine the way it was made. The pleats were nice and deep but at the waist they were spaced 1 7/8" apart. so making this , for my 43" waist about a 5 yard kilt. There were 2 hidden pleats behind each apron so that thee was enough fabric there to fall between the knees no matter how you sat. This was a good thing. Apron was about 10 inches wide. I liked this feature. Wide aprons do not dothis quite so well. One reason to like the contemorary kilt. On my own kilts I prefer to have more pleats and more fabric. I like the feel and the "swing" something I feel is necessary for a proper kilt. Understand that the heavier and stiffer the fabric and the more pleats you have the harder it is going to be to wear, ;et alone trying to sew 8 layers of that heavy duc all at once.

I commend you on your atempt at making one. Good for you! It iwll get easier after the learning curve.

You may want to try making a pattern first. I taped together lengths of paper to make five yard and started experimenting that way. You can tape pin the pleats in place. If it doesn't work out you have lost nothing but time. Give it a try if you are not willing to commit to doing all the math. Then all you have to do is use your paper kilt foe measuremnts and for pleat placement.

[Alan H]

I posted pictures of the finished product in the Pics forum. It' all done, except for the belt loops. I wore it yesterday around town and got a number of nice comments. I am wearing it today around the house and also on campus as I have to go in to work for a bit to set some stuff up for Monday.

Despite Downy 'till I think I'm going to gag at the smell of the stuff, the kilt is still stiff as a board. It's OK, I can deal with it, but sheesh.

The other thing is, if you sit down in it, of course your pleats are never perfect. Sit on canvas pleats for a few minutes and you have a serious crease in those pleats that will last for the rest of the day.

I won't make another canvas kilt. Next up is probably a wool blend, since the EBay seller that was selling the New Brunswick cotton tartan that I bought had her account yanked...AFTER I paid for it, no less....*grrr*.