Tapering Question

[Lokishadow]

I am making an X-kilt, albeit with some modifications. Basically, I had a little cloth lying around, and I'm turning it into a kilt.

There wasn't enough material to go all the way around as the x-kilt article describes, so I'm making it with a more "traditional" apron that goes all the way around to the point of each hip.

This is my first attempt at an X-Kilt, and I'm having some issues with tapering from fell to waist .

As I understand the directions, I'm supposed to ensure that the edges of the pleats remain touching each other from fell to waist, and do the tapering by pulling the inner part of the box pleats towards each other, centering them in the middle of the pleats.

The problem that I'm running into is that the edge of the upper portion of the pleats is distorting. basically, as I pull the inner section of each box towards another one, the edge of the outer pleat is distorting getting narrower at the top.

Now, this seems logical, but is this what is supposed to happen?

Advice for completing this project would be welcome.

-Loki

[Farlander]

I think you are fine. The goal is that the kilt should taper so that it is narrower at the top. As the directions say, use plenty of pins, and "[p]inning these tapers is a PAIN, but grin and bear it and do your best".

Keep at it! It will be be fine...

[Lokishadow]

I got it done. I ended up layering the pleats over one another on both the outside and the inside. Worked like a charm! I was just nervous about messing up another project.

Thank you!
-Loki

P.S. I will be posting pictures of the completed denim kilt sometime soon.

[Eleazar]

Sounds like you got it figured out. Looking forward to the picts. I haven't done one in denim yet.

[Lokishadow]

I haven't posted pics yet (I'm still figuring out Photobucket), but denim is great material.

Advantages:
-easy to crease
-sews fairly easily (at least in the 6-8 oz weight)
-denim thread almost disappears!
-durable
-looks good with almost anything (it's a "jeans" kilt!)
-pretty cheap at Wal-Mart

Disadvantages:
-wrinkly. Tends to show when you sit down.
-careful of the stretch varieties!

[bear]

Making a kilt is much the same as wearing a kilt. There is some anxiety when you try new things but once tried, you find your fears were needless.
Making a kilt is actually easier because you can always undo mistakes and start over.