OK, so it isn't PERFECT. But obviously he seriously kigs his kilt, so don't stress over it!

I will say that while you don't need a $600 sewing machine to make an x-kilt, you do need a REAL sewing machine. It helps if it does both zig-zag and straight stitch. There are used ones for under $100 on ebay. Look at it this way.

$100 for the machine
$30 for the materials

total $130..........which is what your basic Utilikilt will cost you. So you'll have a nice kilt. You'll have learned something AND you'll have a new tool in the house for the price of a Utilikilt.. Not bad.

SUGGESTION: if you honestly have never used a sewing machine before and have NO clue, find a friend that knows how to sew and talk them into sitting down with you for an hour. Learn how to thread the needle and wind a bobbin. Learn how to change needles when you break one. Learn about thread/bobbin tension. Practice on some spare material. That hour or two will more tha pay off, down the road.