I have sewn two kilts so far. A couple of buddies that I run around with at pagan festivals started wearing kilts they had made. They are twins, and looked pretty well in them, I looked like the odd man out in shorts. So I looked online and ebay to see if I could buy one. Argh! I could not afford what I was finding at the time, so I called them up and asked how they had made theirs.
They said they had read a few web sites and just sat down and made them. Ok, I found a few web sites that had pages of information, and a few diagrams. I went out and bought a sewing machine for about a hundred bucks (didn’t dare risk screwing up my wife’s) and about 9 yards of a nice green wool blend tartan at the fabric store.
Two weeks later I had a nice kilt with knife pleats and a Velcro closure. It was an odyssey cutting and sewing it. The first time I broke a needle on the sewing machine I thought I had been shot. I broke three of them total in the course sewing.
It was a turning point when I first wore it. I found that I like the way it felt and the freedom it gave me. Later I was asked to take part in a wedding and to wear the kilt. I made a second one from the same fabric, only this time I used box pleats and knew a bit about what I was doing. Only took about a week to make it, and it looks great.
Now would I make one for someone else, or make a kilt to sell? Hell no! Based on what I have seen, the cost of fabric, and the time it would take to make on correctly it would cost me about $550 or better. How the guys and gals that have businesses selling kilts make a living is beyond me.
That’s why I have two Utilikilts, and an Amerikilt on order. I encourage anyone to learn to make one and do it at least once. It will make you appreciate what a deal you’re getting when you order one!

Blessings
Geary