Made a Casual Semi Trad Canvas +/- 6g Kilt

**O'Neille** · 26th July 06, 01:09 AM

O.K. I had to do it. I decided to make a semi-traditional canvas kilt using instructions from a site I found on xmarks that would work for offroading and shop use. http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/chegc/kiltsite/page2.htm
It's a five yarder w/ 21 pleats and took about 4 hours to make with their instructions. It's kind of like working on aircraft. Figure out the dimensions, rivet pitch=pleat spacing, layout, drill and deburr=pin it togeter, rivet=sew. When I take it out on it's first test flight I hope it will take plus or minus 6 g's. It takes the same thought process and some visualization. Construction time was about 4 hours. Should be able to cut that down considerably now that I understand the basics. I took pictures of the process but when you leave the memory stick in the computer it doesn't do much good. I prewashed and dried the canvas and it fit great after being put together. It seems to have stretched a little so next wash will be hot and hot dry and hopefully that will bring it down an inch or so. It's canvas and meant to be abused so I used nylon webbing and buckles instead of leather and brass in my interpretation. I can put some detail photos up if anyone has interest. Here are the pictures.

Untucked (not a good look for me)

Right untucked

Left untucked

The leaner (tucked, I like it better)

Sewing (I'm getting better)

Back pleats (Needs final pressing)

You can still see some of the blue tailor's chalk marks. If anyone has any pressing technique advise, I'd appreciate it. These were pressed when I had it layed out before I put on the top binding and hardware. If you've been wanting to try it I would encourage you. I really appreciate the work that goes into making a kilt now. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with a tartan pattern on the first attempt. O'Neille

**cavscout** · 26th July 06, 05:44 AM

Looks great. I like the fringed apron edge on these canvas kilts.

**David Dalglish** · 26th July 06, 06:37 AM

Nice one-looks good

**Southern Breeze** · 26th July 06, 07:24 AM

Nice job, it looks good.

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 26th July 06, 08:05 AM

Looks great. And only 4 hours?? Was that at one shot or over a few days?

**GMan** · 26th July 06, 09:12 AM

First a comment, that is one fantastic looking Kilt! I am very impressed with your handiwork.

Secondly, do you play the banjo?

**pdcorlis** · 26th July 06, 09:22 AM

Very Nice!

**O'Neille** · 26th July 06, 09:32 AM

Originally Posted by GMan

First a comment, that is one fantastic looking Kilt! I am very impressed with your handiwork.

Secondly, do you play the banjo?

I had to go back to the pictures to figure this one out. The banjo is mostly ornamental, It's playable although very old. I've played the trumpet and violin and attempted many others. I like to dabble in various instruments and have a music room and collection that allows me to do that. The saying "let's make some noise" applies to me. O'Neille

**Ruanaidh** · 26th July 06, 09:33 AM

A great looking kilt. You do good work and only four hours yet.

Originally Posted by O'Neille

It's kind of like working on aircraft.

I would have thought it was more like working on tanks.

**O'Neille** · 26th July 06, 09:48 AM

Originally Posted by KiltedCodeWarrior

Looks great. And only 4 hours?? Was that at one shot or over a few days?

The four hours was the other night and I put the yardage in the washer and sat down to find some instructions. When It was dry I layed it out on my penninsula counter and started cutting and marking. About 4 hours later the beast was done except the buckles. Those took another half hour for layout and sewing. Here's some pics.

Under apron closure buckle

Over apron closure

Apron detail

Integrated binding and lining

Thanks for the comments. O'Neille