You could try putting loops on the inside of the fabric where you want to pleat it.

Thread a long cord through the loops and tie it within the length to the first and (temporarily) to the last loop separated by about three times the length of cord you want the drawn in length to be. That is, for each foot of pleats put in one yard of cord.

To draw the pleats in pull a loop of cord back through the first fixed loop and then draw the cord lying between the first and second fixed loops through it. Draw the cord lying between the second and third fixed loops through the loop you just made, and so on across the pleats. Pass the end of the cord through the last loop to fix it.

After a few goes you learn what size of loops to make to get an even distribution of fabric, and if you need to adjust the cord at the last fixed loop for a perfect result.

I must confess to having done this only with curtains, but it works every time, you can quickly release the last loop and have the fabric lay flat - I think that for most great kilts the 2/3rds reduction should work out about right.

If you tie the ends of the cord around your waist you then have the fabric under control to preen as you like. You can draw the folds around to the right or divide them fron the centre back in Kinguisse style. I think you would make the centre loop through two fixed loops for a Kinguisse style, so creating a box pleat.

With a bit of extra jigging you could make reverse Kinguisse, by fixing the cord at the centre back and looping left and right from there.

You might like to tie a ring or leather loop on one end of the cord, or up against the first fixed loop so you can tie a quick release knot through it or use it to hang up the kilt for pleating off the ground, or fit a pocket on the loop for hiding away your modern items but still have them to hand.

Wrap your belt around and you're good to go.