Inexpensive Tartan

[Tim B]

I posted this earlier in the DIY forum, but then realized it would probably be better here...Yeah, I'm a Newby!...

Holy cow this kilt making is addictive! I began my experimentation with making a kilt about a month ago (which brought me to this forum). I have since made 3 non-tartan kilts (using basic plaid paterns, from local Wal Mart). Most of the fabric that is available looks like miniature tartan - very small sett. I've looked all over for some fabric that has a larger sett and more "Tartan like", but no luck. As a matter of fact, tartan and/or plaid of any kind is fairly scarce.

Now I'm out of fabric, but I'm jonesing to make another. I'm still in my trial and error phase of kilt making so I'm not really ready for $15 per yard material. Can anyone point me in the right direction to purchase something a little more traditional at a discount price, or am I just out of luck? I am going to try my hand at an X-Kilt in plain fabric...but after that, what?

Tim

[Nick the DSM]

try those fabric stores, sometimes they carry actual tartan material but I can't guarantee it will be wool or less than 20 a yard. but do go find one if you can.

[slohairt]

For the most part you would be out of luck. However, you could check out Fraser & Kirkbright's remnant page.

http://www.wooltartan.com/tartans5.htm

[The Wizard of BC]

The next step, and the best advice I can give you is buy a copy of "The Art of Kiltmaking" by our own Barb Tewksbury.

See here.

http://www.celticdragonpress.com/

You will be buying from Barb herself.

This is the Bible of Kiltmaking. Not just for someone who wishes to make their own Kilt but anyone interested in knowing more about what goes into the Kilt, or anyone who also wants to know how to properly wear and care for one.

[Highlander31]

You could try Ebay for the material.

[Carolina Kiltman]

You could try Ebay for the material.

Just be sure to ask the right questions. These are fibre content, weight of fabric per yard, and type of weave. (should be twill). Kilting selvege, are some that come to mind.

I bought a couple of lengths of polyester generic tartan, and found that they were not twill weave. They were cheap enough that I am still going to try making a couple of Kilts from them.

Happy hunting.

[Skyeisle]

I am making kilts for our Boy Scout troop and have also been in search for tartan like fabric. We are trying some fabric from a wholesale upholstery shop. We paid about 5.95 per yd for 60" wide fabric. I am making 2 from this fabric, we requested 4.5 yards they cut 5 and charged us for 4 yards. You do need to be sure that the material is not backed for upholstery and check the care instruction. We may end up looking a bit like we took down the den curtains but we hope it will work well for our needs. Good Luck!