Pockets, sneaky hidden pockets, cargo pockets, flap pockets. What do you find useful?

[Eve]

Hello!

I'm making a modern hybrid kilt to work in (a reverse Kingussie style I think is what I've seen Anne The Pleater call it) and am currently aiming on detachable cargo pockets for the back. I like deep pockets as I carry around a lot of tools - pliers, tape measure, various pens, stabby pointy tools for scribing, chisels, more pointy sharp bits... But I'd also like front pockets and am currently planning on jean-style inset pockets... At this rate it's going to end up a hybrid kilt/tool belt

Do you work in your kilt? and if so, do you have a particular pocket structure you find useful? Do you add a work belt (like a builder's belt) over the top? I think a belt over the top might look and work better...

Thanks for any input you have!

[Stitchwiz]

I'm used to wearing a tool belt, so that would be a good fit for me. I don't have pockets in very many of my garments; certainly wouldn't put one in my kilt - what I had in my pockets used to catch on things when I was working so I just don't have clothing with pockets - I dislike mending my clothes - now making them is another story. Now if I could just get my husband to go without pockets...I wouldn't be mending very often. Pockets are about 80% of my repairs. Nails, screws, nut & bolts are murder on pockets. I got him used to a change purse about 20 years ago, so now it is just his work pants that I'm fixing.

I'd make a belted set of pockets to wear. You can make a variety of pockets, even pockets with pockets layered on top of pockets, with a loop at the top which you could thread the belt through. Make deep pockets for those days when you want to just carry 'stuff', and specifically sized & stitched loops which will hold scribing tools, chisels and other sharp pointy objects. Be sure to have a thick protective bottom that won't allow those points to pierce your clothing or your body. Best part of all this is that you can be as specific as you want.

Then you just pick which pockets will suit your purpose for that day. I'd put the buckle off-centre so that there is nothing hard right where your tummy is when you're bending over. Took me a while to find my sweet spot, but once you find yours, you can wear your tool belt all day long without any problem. Nice part about the pockets is that you can slide/switch them around and find what works best.

If you use a nylon, cordura type fabric, it will wear like iron. Use a fabric which is washable and just throw all the pockets into the wash together so that they look the same when you mix them up.

Try not to use velcro - it is murder on fabric which catches on it.

Watch out - other people are going to want what you have! You will get requests...

And, please, don’t forget to show us pictures when you are done!

[Tarheel]

Eve, I second every thing Stitchwiz offered. I use a utility pouch that can be rotated around my belt so I may add another pouch if needed. The cost of the pouch simply offsets the cost of repairing or buying new clothes.
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[tundramanq]

As a guy I was in the habit of putting my hands or just hooking my thumbs in my front pockets when standing. It is why I wear Utilikilt Mockers and Survivals a lot - front pockets. I do catch my hands hunting for them in kilts without the front pockets for a while.
When working and toting tools, it is hard to fish them out of front pockets whether scoop or slash. I find the floppy dog ear looking side cargo pockets to be great at keeping the tools at hand and easy to get at - even when squatting. They also don't clobber my legs when walking, thus not encouraging the heavy pointy things to work through the cloth.

Steve is the only kilt maker I know of that makes hidden front pocket traditional looking kilts that can carry much of anything without driving the pleats wonky.

[Pleater]

I use a denim handbag converted to being more useful - it had a bow on the front and now it has an extra pocket and a strap that buttons over it. The strap is held on by rings so it is happy to settle to one side rather than being vertical.

Actually I might have a photograph of it - I'll just go and look.

Yes - just editing it in. I wear it on my hip as a sort of sideways sporran. The main compartment has a zip and I made sure that it had the tag at the front when closed.


As it is on a waist strap it rides up when I am sitting or scrabbling around under tables for things I know can't be far away.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[Hawk]

Eve, I also have a couple of utility style kilts and love having the option of the pockets on those, quite useful for that style of kilt. May I recommend speaking with Ratspike here on XMTS, as he has some of the finest utility style kilts I've seen. He is very attune to the use and function, and specialized modification, of kilt garments used as an everyday item in the workplace, and could possibly give you a few pointers on your personal project. I can't speak for him but I know his abilities and work, and know he is another valuable resource here at XMTS for opinions.

Hawk

[Eve]

Great advice! Thanks everyone.

Despite really really really needing a tool belt I've never made myself one. I'm always too busy at work or renovating my house - both places where I really need a tool belt...

So, a belt with detachable pockets/tool holders it is (over the top of the kilt.) I'm still pretty tempted to do a wallet/keys/phone pocket in the actual kilt though...

I have a bunch of russet hides laying about so the pockets and belt will probably be in leather over the top of the canvas kilt. I was going to deliberately age the kilt anyway and I might do the same to the belt and pockets. So it looks like I've had them a hundred years.

The off-center placement of the buckle is a great tip.

I have an old coin belt purse somewhere and I might copy how it attaches onto the belt (just two cuts in the back of the purse the belt slides through) or maybe strap hanger loops, or detachable loops on snaps or domes...

I will start drawing a few ideas up... pics will definitely be coming once I have something made up

[MNlad]

If you haven't already done so, check out some of the threads for pocket additions to the X-kilt, both slash and cargo styles. You'll get some great ideas. I've added hidden slash pockets and a back pocket to mine. As for pointy things, you can sew in a ballistic nylon, suede or thin leather liner to extend the life of the pockets—just make sure they won't stain the kilt when washed.

As for separate pockets on your belt, anything goes. You might want to check out military cartridge cases and accessory belt pouches for other great ideas.

[ratspike]

I do lots of work in a kilt and have sorted out what I do and don't like. First and foremost I like simple and functional, so a couple of good sized cargo pockets for sure. They're super handy and I've found about a million and one ways to make use of them. If they can be removed, that's even better. Line 24 snaps are a simple way to do it. You could also make a pouch type pocket that attaches on the inside of the waistband with velcro. 21st Century Kilts does their pockets this way and it's super cool. I use a MOLLE compatible system for mine, which is handy if you want to use something like a small admin pouch or dump bag instead of a pocket. A small-ish pocket on the under apron is a great idea, for keys and your phone if nothing else. I think you'll be surprised at just how useful it is.

I also find a tool loop/d ring/clash hook or two quite useful as well, for hanging a carabiner or hammer or paintbrush when I don't have enough hands.

Clothing isn't very good load bearing equipment so I wouldn't try to build in much more capacity than this. For carrying a brace of tools I think a proper belt is definitely the way to go.

[ratspike]

Great advice! Thanks everyone.
I have a bunch of russet hides laying about so the pockets and belt will probably be in leather over the top of the canvas kilt. I was going to deliberately age the kilt anyway and I might do the same to the belt and pockets. So it looks like I've had them a hundred years.

Two words: waxed canvas. A tool belt made with leather, plenty of rivets, brass hardware, big thread, and waxed canvas would look amazing. Just a thought.