Kilt Belt Construction

[Irish in Tacoma]

I've decided to make a kilt belt, and need a little help with how it goes together. Searched through catalog pictures and threads here but it doesn't show all the details.

Specifically, how does the small buckle that adjusts the length of the belt attach to the inside of the belt? The end of the belt tapers from 2.25" down to ?? (3/4 in?), and fastens somehow to the inside of the belt. Can someone describe the attachment. What does this do to the exterior appearance?

Also, wouldn't having a buckle on the inside of the belt cause wear and tear on the back of the kilt?

The one belt I have showed up with velcro, so I don't have an example handy to learn from.

[bikercelt1]

On all my belts there is a small buckle riveted to the inside surface of the belt and a small strap stiched to the end of the belt. The small strap passes through the buckle and provides the adjustment. Use the best grade of buckle you can get in order to minimise any rough edges that might abrade the kilt. Keep in mind that a kilt belt on a properly fitted kilt is primarily for show and shouldn't be so loose as to shift around a lot or so tight to "dig in" uncomfortably at the hips and possibly wear or tear your kilt.

Jamie

[An t-Ileach]

I've stopped using the little buckle assembly now when I make that sort of kilt belt - I use velcro, as it's kinder on the fabric of the kilt, and you don't need a long strap inside either.

Have the soft bit facing out towards the kilt roughly where the adjustments will take place, and stitch the prickly bit on the inside towards the end of a shortish (say 6" - 10") strap so that it'll engage with the soft bit and accommodate your waist fitting.

[RockyR]

I've stopped using the little buckle assembly now when I make that sort of kilt belt - I use velcro, as it's kinder on the fabric of the kilt, and you don't need a long strap inside either.

Have the soft bit facing out towards the kilt roughly where the adjustments will take place, and stitch the prickly bit on the inside towards the end of a shortish (say 6" - 10") strap so that it'll engage with the soft bit and accommodate your waist fitting.

We changed over our kilt belts to velcro ones in the shop... they're more forgiving (waist size) and don't have even a possibilty of having the "little buckle's swing arm" poke a hole in the wool. It hasn't happened yet that I know of, but it kind of scares me...

[An t-Ileach]

Great minds think alike??

[ozmeath]

G'day IinT, good project and one I'm soon to undertake as well. Instead of riveting the small-buckle strap on you can stitch it if you have an "eazi-stitch" or awl and needles.You can also stitch in a certain design or pattern if you like. This is probably more time consuming but I'd say it'd be stronger. That said, rivets are strong and will be more than adequate. Just a "look" option. Also you need to take it easy riveting leather as you can pinch it and cut right through if you go too hard with the hammering.
Cheap/burred buckle can be filed down if you need to.
Erin

[Irish in Tacoma]

Thanks guys. I've got all the materials together and spent this evening cutting all the parts out (making two sporrans also). Will start tooling and dyeing tomorrow or Saturday. Will try to get pictures up during the process.

I like the idea of stitching a pattern. My concern (not having a belt available for reference) was what to do with the rivet/stitching that will stick out in the back of the belt. It might just be one of those "well of course that rivet is supposed to be there, all belts are made that way" kind of solution. This is one thing I will be checking out at the Games in a few weeks.

Was also wondering about the bulk of the buckle in the small of your back.
One thought I had was to put a Sam Brown stud back there for the small strap to attach to--might be less bulky overall. I'll have to play with that idea. A snap might work also. Hhhmmm.....