Having a Kilt Taken in

**GrainReaper** · 2nd October 15, 04:46 PM

I moved the buckles and straps myself on a kilt and I have zero sewing ability, it took me all of 15 minutes after reading how to do it..

**Barb T** · 2nd October 15, 04:54 PM

YAY!!!! Great to know!

And, if you're really worried about whether your work will "pass muster", just move the waist apron buckle and underapron strap, and remove entirely the hip buckle and strap. If the sewing on the apron buckle and underapron strap are a little hinky, it will NEVER SHOW, because it will be under your kilt belt. Taking the hip buckle and strap off won't matter, because they are only decorative.

**GrainReaper** · 2nd October 15, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by Barb T

YAY!!!! Great to know!

And, if you're really worried about whether your work will "pass muster", just move the waist apron buckle and underapron strap, and remove entirely the hip buckle and strap. If the sewing on the apron buckle and underapron strap are a little hinky, it will NEVER SHOW, because it will be under your kilt belt. Taking the hip buckle and strap off won't matter, because they are only decorative.

This is very sound advice barb, I've never thought to remove the superfluous strap and buckle.

**Barb T** · 2nd October 15, 05:34 PM

Good deal! Lots of people could easily have better-fitting kilts if they did this instead of muddling along with kilts that feel like they are going south at any moment.

**Katia** · 6th October 15, 07:09 PM

Interesting read! Relevant to me right now since I'm considering my band kilt which is far too big (not even sure how many inches too big-- I've not measured-- but the fit is sort of sad). Also am seeing someone selling a kilt + matching argyle hose for cheap (it looks neglected and needs a good pressing), but as it's a men's size, it's about 7" too big for me at the waist, and I'm wondering if it might still not be cheap enough for me to give it a go, if I can take it in easily!

**The Wizard of BC** · 7th October 15, 01:27 AM

Moving the straps and buckles on a kilt is not a hard job. If Barb's instructions are followed almost anyone should be able to do it.

But first a few notes -

If your kilt is pleated to The Sett, moving straps and buckles may throw off the Tartan pattern in the rear of the kilt. Some people may not mind this and some will find this unacceptable.

If your kilt has the two sporran loops in the back you may need to remove them. They will no longer be centered.

And you really should learn what is built inside your kilt. Under that lining you see on the inside is the true heart of your traditional kilt. The interfacing and especially the stabilizer are what are taking all the stress of strapping your kilt on. You don't simply sew the straps and buckles onto the outer, Tartan fabric. You must - And I can't stress then enough - Must sew all the way though the outer Tartan fabric and anchor the straps and buckles to the internal construction. If you do not know where that internal construction is you could miss it totally. This could lead to a premature failure of your pleat stitching or permanent distortion of the Tartan fabric itself.

Take a few moments to learn what is hidden behind that lining.

"The Art of Kiltmaking" is your first and best source for what goes in a kilt before that lining goes on.

And this thread of mine may be helpful in understanding why knowing this stuff is important.

http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...t=break+period