X-Kilt: Sew Your Own, manual available for download

[Eujeankilt]

I finally got pics of my X-Kilt. I added a waistband and snaps (like UK and AK). I've had several compliments already. It's a light cotton/poly, perfect for summer hiking or working in the garden. (Thanks again Alan for the directions.)

It's hard to smile when you are blinded by sunlight.




The pleats - after wearing it several times - could use a pressing.

[Alan H]

I finally got pics of my X-Kilt. I added a waistband and snaps (like UK and AK). I've had several compliments already. It's a light cotton/poly, perfect for summer hiking or working in the garden. (Thanks again Alan for the directions.)

FANTASTIC! The snaps look good, I like 'em. Great job all around, Mowgli. Wear it with pride because YOU made it!

[switchblade5984]

like the snaps!

i need to make mine...........

no sewing machine..........

not hand sewing!!!!!!!!!!

[Alan H]

like the snaps!

i need to make mine...........

no sewing machine..........

not hand sewing!!!!!!!!!!

HINT: y'all can buy used sewing machines (some pretty good ones, too) on ebay.

[switchblade5984]

shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

dang it!

i know there on there must stay away

[Dave W.]

Despite Alan's best intentions there are a couple of errors which could catch out the unwary.
1. Four times 1.25 inches equals 5 inches not 5.25 as shown in the diagram.
2. Butt sizes over 47 inches would need more than 4 yards of material with the revised design.

Alan said he will be making the necessary amendments in the next issue.

Critisism is easy so let me say a big thank you to Alan for his valient efforts and I for one will be giving it a try.

[Alan H]

Thanks, Dave W for the heads-up on that simple mathematics error in one of the diagrams! This is what Editors are for, right?

Note that the four x 1.25 inches is in the diagram for the pleat layout; end-view. Son of a gun, but 4 x 1.25 = 5, not 5.25. Crikey!

However, if you make your X-Kilt with 5.25 inches allocated for the under-pleat depth, it will measure out just fine. I've made four of them that way, and it's not a problem. With this box-pleat, the "pleat depth" is small...one of the few downsides to box pleats generally and this one in particular. That extra quarter of an inch translates to a tiny *tiny* bit deeper pleat and every fraction of an inch you can get is good. You could even make the under-pleat allocation 5.5 inches and it would work out. You'd just have more overlap up at the waistband where you taper the pleats above the fell. Just be aware that if you do the 5.5 inch under-pleat allocation you're going to need another few inches of material.

About the total length of material needed..... When I first wrote this up, I made shallow "front facing" pleats on the first and last pleats, and a shallower under-apron pleat. For a 48 inch rump, four yards was enough.

Well, I've nearly finished KCW's X-kilt with the new instructions that include a much deeper under-apron pleat and full 3-inch deep forward facing pleats on the first and last pleat. His rump measurement is 47 inches, and 4 yards is BARELY enough. So if you have a rump measurement of 48 or more, buy MORE than four yards of material. Four and a half should do it. If your rump measurement is over 54 inches, buy 5 yards.

Even better, calculate your pleats and apron depth......and thereby the total fabric length you need BEFORE going shopping, and buy an extra 1/2 yard just to be sure. Remember, you're making this out of cheap stuff.

I'm waiting on some "Tips and Tricks" from at least one X-Marks member who'se made several X-Kilts, and when I have those I'll incorporate the whole lot...these corrections plus his tips and tricks into the Final Version of the Instructions.