Box-pleated Tartan PV X-Kilt Hiking Hybrid!

[Dreadbelly]

If I could make something just half as nice as that looks, I might have a shot at making something of my self someday.

[thomsec]

I am quite impressed. Seeing your progress gives me the courage to do a tartan x kilt. Thanks for the post.
Charlie

[Tartan Hiker]

Dude, it's not that hard or I couldn't manage it!


FINISHED!!!


Here's the under-apron strap. I took a page from Matt Newsome's internal buckle system and used 1.5" nylon webbing, a 1.5" plastic "slider" used to shorten backpack straps, and some velcro. The result is a "trucker's hitch" arrangement that, since the strap turns the corner on the slider, is twice as strong as velcro in direct tension. Not that strength is a big issue, but it does mean that you can use a lot less velcro!



Here's the under-apron strap all tightened down.



And here's the same system employed on the over-apron. If one wanted a more traditional look this could be replaced with a leather strap and buckle as usual. I wanted a system that was tough, washable, and not lumpy under my pack belt. I think this will work quite well.



Now that was a fun project. All told it took me about 12 hours, but a lot of that time was trying to figure out just what to do next. I was in too much of a hurry to see if it would actually come together, so I have a few pleat seams that aren't ruler straight, but hey, it's a hiking kilt after all and the fabric wasn't that expensive. Next time I do this, with a nice 13 oz. wool, I'll be a bit more careful.

No way can I take full-length shots of myself, so final "action shots" will have to wait until tomorrow or Tuesday. I'll probably wear it to class tomorrow night and get a review from my students.

Alan H, I've got some pics and notes for you. Will send them along when I get a chance.

Ta!

[CameronTaylor]

I'm liking Sara's Maple Leaf kilt so much that's what I want to try for my X-kilt assignment, just have to find a place to get some fabric.


CT -

[Arlen]

That really is a wonderful job you did there. Looks like it will be wonderful for hiking.

[Alan H]

Innovative design on the straps. I am impressed!

[Tartan Hiker]

Thanks for the compliments. I wore it to school tonight and my students thought it looked great. They were fascinated at how pleating can make such a big difference in the way a tartan looks. Some had actually noticed it in my other kilts, but with this one it's "smack you in the face" obvious.

The straps are very comfy. Obviously there is no problem getting them "just right" as opposed to several of my other kilts where no matter how many holes I punch there never seems to be one in the right place.

I'll try to get a few final pics tomorrow.

Bill

[TJP33928]

Great work Bill!
Tim

[HeathBar]

Very nice! What method did you use to stitch your pleats? Did you use a sewing machine?

[Doc]

Very nice Bill! If the ladder locks you used are a little to bulky when you wear your pack, you can replace with a common link (2-bar), just in case. That kilt should look insane when it swishes.