Kiltmakers in the USA

[orangehaggis]

Greetings:

I have collected all sorts of fabrics over a few years, including a nice heavy coating fabric with a nice clean selvage that would make a nice kilt. I wonder if anymody out there knows of a reputable kiltmaker in the states who can make a kilt from my fabric for under US$200 (not including return postage). The going rate in the UK is between $180 and $190 (£95-£100) from several individual kiltmakers. I'm just in the planning stages and am not certain about when I'll actually do this.

Thanks,
Mark - Ohio

[davedove]

Alexis Malcolm will do it for $225. I know that's over $200, but you could easily spend that much on shipping and customs from overseas.

http://www.alexismalcolmkilts.bigstep.com/

You could also check with Kathy Lare to see what her price would be.

http://www.kathyskilts.com/

I'm sure someone else will chime in with some others.

[Barb T]

I charge $250 (which includes buckles, straps, lining, and canvas). I suspect also that I'm not alone in saying that I'd be a bit reluctant to commit unless I saw the fabric, because it's not kilting tartan.

When you're thinking about how much it costs to make a kilt, remember that it takes 20 hours or more for a kiltmaker to make a proper kilt using traditional hand methods and not skimping any on the internal construction. If you find someone who will make a kilt for a lot less than what Alexis and I charge, you either have someone who is willing to make a kilt for minimum wage or who makes a kilt in considerably less time. The _only_ way to do that is to use more machine work and/or leave out some of the time-consuming internal construction.

Cheers,

Barb

[Jimmy Carbomb]

...and/or leave out some of the time-consuming internal construction.

You don't see the actual work, but you REALLY see it in the finished form and fit of the kilt. It also makes it MUCH more durable! This is where some makers cut corners to cut cost.

You would be best served to save $50 more bucks (however you do it) to ensure that you have it done right.

[davedove]

I just checked my records. Kathy Lare charged me $245 to sew up my kilt using the Xmarks material.

[Riverkilt]

Kathy Lare charged me $225 to sew up my X Marks the Scot tartan kilt.

In addition to her website you can check her work in my gallery.

Ron

[Wompet]

Don't forget a Matt Newsome box pleat for $220.
I'm sort of surprised no one's mentioned him before now.

[wsk]

At my day job, when quoting costs for custom work we always remind the customer:

Quick. Cheap. Right. Pick two.

Pick cheap and right then your kiltmaker will work on it when there isn't anything better to do.

Pick quick and cheap, well you get what you pay for.

Pick quick and right, it's gonna cost.