Seaforth military box pleated kilt

[robthehiker]

I own a heavy wool (16oz?) Seaforth military box pleated kilt that is currently too small for me. I'm guessing it to be 28-29" and I wear 36" kilts. Upon close inspection I see that the first pleat on each side is about 4" deep and they're not sewn through the neighbouring pleats (at least that's how it looks to me). My question is, can the stitching on the first and last pleats be removed to add approximately 8" to the waist?

Here's what the outside of the kilt looks like.


Here's the view from the underside. The white arrow shows the first pleat.


If the kilt cannot be let out at the waist, could the kilt be easily shortened to accommodate a shorter wearer?

Last, where could one purchase good quality replacement buckles?

[The Wizard of BC]

The part you are showing is called the Deep Pleats and they are needed for the aprons to hang correctly and to allow the aprons to fall between you legs when you sit.

To alter a Kilt 7 or 8 inches larger is a very major undertaking and in most cases impossible with a Traditional Kilt. To shorten it is also a major re-build by a reputable kiltmaker.

New straps & buckles of the kind used on Kilts today can be found at
highlandxpress.com
Look in the sewing section.
However they are not the same as those you have on this kilt. Those style buckles are very hard to find.
If you do find a source for them please post here. Most of the kiltmakers would love to have that source.

My suggestion is to attempt to sell it by listing on this forum or perhaps ebay.

[attworth]

I'd be happy to take it off your hands.

[robthehiker]

I've had one previous offer to take it off my hands but he's 5'5" and the kilt would be a "don't" without a costly alteration.

[marthaaras]

Hello! I'm a 'newbie' here, but I have made a couple of kilts, and to find unique buckles I go to the Goodwill and get a pair of shoes that have buckles that I like. Sometimes even the straps are usable.

[attworth]

I've had one previous offer to take it off my hands but he's 5'5" and the kilt would be a "don't" without a costly alteration.

Too short?

I'm 5'11"

[robthehiker]

Too short?

I'm 5'11"

5'11" would be about the right height for it.

[Casper]

The part you are showing is called the Deep Pleats and they are needed for the aprons to hang correctly and to allow the aprons to fall between you legs when you sit.

To alter a Kilt 7 or 8 inches larger is a very major undertaking and in most cases impossible with a Traditional Kilt. To shorten it is also a major re-build by a reputable kiltmaker.

New straps & buckles of the kind used on Kilts today can be found at
highlandxpress.com
Look in the sewing section.
However they are not the same as those you have on this kilt. Those style buckles are very hard to find.
If you do find a source for them please post here. Most of the kiltmakers would love to have that source.

My suggestion is to attempt to sell it by listing on this forum or perhaps ebay.

Steve,

How much work would it be to only expand a waist by about 4"?