Converting a tweed sport coat to a Crail jacket

**Farlander** · 23rd February 08, 05:48 PM

I just finished converting my very own thrift store tweed sport coat to a fine Crail kilt jacket. I am really excited about the results and wanted to share the experience with others.

First off, I have no sewing experience. I have never hemmed a pair of pants, but I have replace a button on occasion. I do not have a sewing machine and would not know what to do with one if I had. So my point is that anyone who wants a great kilt jacket, but does not want to spend $300 or more for it, should think about making their own too.

Cost for the kilt jacket was $8.00 for the tweed coat, ~$3.00 for the bias tape and ~$30.00 for the optional fancy buttons.

It took me about 7 evenings to crank this out. Someone who knew what they were doing could certainly do this a lot faster.

Much thanks to F-H.C.A.G. and her great pictorial of how to convert to a Braemar jacket. Check out:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/c...726/index.html

The above link is very much what gave me the courage to try it myself. Only complaint is that it kinda' glossed over how to finish the bottom of the jacket. For a great detailed explanation on how to do this, check out David Dalglish's pictorial at:
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/j...x.html?t=22201

OK, moving right along...

Here is what I started with, a nearly new tweed sport coat for $8.00 from my local thrift store:

A common problem with a Kilt jacket conversion is that the pockets end up too low. My solution was to remove the pocket flaps and move them up as high as I could. This gives the appearance of the pockets being about two inches higher than they really are. It is kinda' cheating, but it looks alright:

Here is how it turned out:

This was a lot fun! Now if I can only find the courage to try adding some epaulets and fancy arm cuffs; I could then upgrade this to a fine Braemar.

**McMurdo** · 23rd February 08, 06:00 PM

It looks good, well done you've more talent with a needle than I. One suggestion I would make is to leave the jacket unbuttoned as kilt jackets tend to create unsightly creases when done up.

**Panache** · 23rd February 08, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by McMurdo

...One suggestion I would make is to leave the jacket unbuttoned as kilt jackets tend to create unsightly creases when done up.

Glen beat me to it!

Looks good, I hope to get to see it in person next Friday night.

Cheers

Jamie

**Chef** · 23rd February 08, 06:34 PM

Very impressive. I think you did really well with the pockets, they look much better higher up.

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 23rd February 08, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Farlander

...
This was a lot fun! Now if I can only find the courage to try adding some epaulets and fancy arm cuffs; I could then upgrade this to a fine Braemar.

The epaulets and "fancy" arm cuffs are a piece of cake. I'll show you next Friday!

Be well,