shortening a kilt from the top

[scotchmaster]

Does anyone know if it possible to shorten a kilt fro the top to preserve the selvedge? If so how much would it cost? Does anyone out there do it? PM me if you can help me out.

[CWKchic]

Are we talking modern or traditional? I believe it can be done in both cases however I believe it would be easier with the modern as the shrink in fell would not be as big of an issue as it might be with a traditional. I am sure there are several kilt makers who make the traditional kilts who can answer this better. Perhaps Robert or Lady Chrystel would be a good resource for answering this.

[Paul Henry]

Of course it is possible, BUT...... you will need to take the waistband off, probably re adjust all the spacing, of the pleats, unpicking and re sewing, beacuse if you are removing some of fell area, and the top of the aprons, you will also be increasing the waist size, and so on... the canvas might need to be moved the belt/buckle arrangements will need to be altered...... so I think it would almost be easier to start again....
It's not unusual for some kilts to have a hem at the bottom... still a lot of sewing, but it's likely to be less work..

[The Wizard of BC]

As others have said, yes, it is possible. In fact with a Traditional Kilt it is preferable to alter from the top.

But here is a gentle warning. As you must completely unmake the Kilt the cost to alter one is almost the same as if it is done from scratch.

The only savings is that you already have the fabric.

Now, the big question. Are you wanting the Kilt taken in or let out?

[ChattanCat]

Cutting the top has all kinds of issues:
- The waist needs to be lowered on the kilt.
- The hips need to be lowered
- No heming required

Ok, easy stuff. So what do you need to do to adjust the kilt after cutting the top:
- The button hole needs to move down (remove thread and restitch the button hole) add back the bar tacking
- Adjust each pleat so that your new waist is at the waist and fits.
- Remove the sewing for each pleat and re-sew each pleat so that the taper is even for all the pleats.
- Remove the stiching for the front and indside apron and re-sew to the new waist position.

All this to save a hem? Maybe not.

[Riverkilt]

Aye, if its a quality hand sewn kilt by a craftsman with a respected name it'll hold its value. Sell it. Use the proceeds to reorder a kilt that fits.

Ron

[Barb T]

And, if you take the top band, and all of the lining and canvas off the kilt, and cut the top off, you'll have a kilt that tapers all the way to the top of the kilt, unless the kilt has no taper in the pleats to begin with (which is rare). This means that, even if the workmanship is first rate, the kilt will never fit properly, because a kilt should actually flare from the center of the top buckle to the top of the kilt so that it rides comfortably at the waist. Unless the kiltmaker is also willing to undo every pleat and restitch it to flare, you'll have a kilt that doesn't fit or feel right.

Truly, you can hem _any_ kilt (well, except maybe an 18 oz military weight tartan), and you won't really notice the difference. We hem our 16 oz band kilts for kids, and you really have to look to see the difference.

I agree with Ron. If you really can't stand the idea of a hem, sell the kilt and use the proceeds to buy a new kilt that fits properly. A kiltmaker who knows what he/she is doing should charge you so much for this type of alteration that it won't be worth it financially to you. And, if someone is willing to do it for less than an arm and a leg, they probably don't know what they're doing...

[Dan R Porter]

So you can't just roll in up like JAYLO did with her shorts?