First X-kilt using Ripstop Camo

**cyxa** · 18th March 17, 07:34 AM

First kilt made from 5 yards of ACU DIGITAL NY/CO RIPSTOP CAMOUFLAGE FABRIC MIL SPEC 64"W CAMO BY THE YARD purchased on ebay from rrt trading post. Fabric was washed and dried on hot to maximize shrinkage then cut in half for the length. I used approximately 4 1/4 yards for the kilt itself with the remainder for the pockets and belt loops.

20170316_092129.jpg - Side view showing off my pocket placement
20170316_092137.jpg - most accurate color, topstitching and belt loop
20170316_092144.jpg - slightly askew front view
20170316_092155.jpg - up close with the pleats
20170316_092224.jpg - underside view

Quite pleased with how it turned out. The most difficult part for me was the pockets; how big to make them, how to attach them, where to attach them...I ended up place the top of the pocket at the fell line then placed the pocket flap above it. And I sewed it at the bottom in the center only to a single pleat that was opened up so it wouldn't catch the underside.
The ripstop nylon was perfect for maintaining the straight pleats - just follow the dominant thread!

**ratspike** · 18th March 17, 01:08 PM

Your stitching looks ace and overall it looks like you did a great job for your first kilt. And pockets, yeah, you can spend all day deciding on how you want to make them. They're fun to make because there's so much you can do with them. I think your choices were solid. The angled corners on the flaps are a nice touch too.

I know you didn't ask for a critique but I'm going to put a few little details out there for you anyway, in case you have plans for a #2. Definitely hem the bottom with a selvedge like this, as it's not a finished edge like you find on kilt cloth. It also gives your pleats a bit of extra weight at the bottom, which isn't a terrible thing with a lighter weight fabric. Also, if you do another camouflage fabric that's directional like this, I suggest that you cut it selvedge to selvedge to keep the pattern oriented correctly. It's a bit of extra work at the start but IMO it's time well spent once your kilt is done.

**cyxa** · 18th March 17, 01:19 PM

Thanks Bob! I can't say I always enjoy criticism but that's how one learns. To be honest, I didn't even think about pattern placement because I couldn't see one (camo, get it lol). As far as the hem, I though about it but the tutorial mentioned that if the selvage looked good that not hemming it was an option.

The next one shall have it hemmed because I really can't stand the untidiness of it.

Still waiting on the owner of the kilt to pick it up so I can get pics of it to see how it really fits. Somehow my body double isn't quite the right size.

**ratspike** · 18th March 17, 02:03 PM

To be fair, the direction of the pattern is the kind of thing that almost nobody would ever notice unless they're familiar with making military clothing and gear. I didn't know there was a difference when I made my first one either. I think it can be a little more difficult to see with a pattern like this one, UCP, because to my eye the colors kinda blend together in photos of uniforms. MultiCam is super easy, both because of the colors and the shapes used in the design. AFAIK, all currently popular camouflage patterns are directional with the exception of Kryptek, and need to be cut selvedge to selvedge if getting the orientation right is important to you or to the person wearing the kilt.

**cyxa** · 18th March 17, 02:28 PM

Well, since they got it gratis because I wanted to test my skills, if they don't like the pattern, I better not hear about it. lol.

**ratspike** · 18th March 17, 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by cyxa

Well, since they got it gratis because I wanted to test my skills, if they don't like the pattern, I better not hear about it. lol.

Exactly. I like the way you think!

**eviltig** · 18th March 17, 04:49 PM

Looks Awesome!

I am gearing up to make a kilt gathering supplies and such. I saw some camo prints at Joann fabrics but the material was fairly thin so I figure I should take in a sample to match while I am still a newb.
I'll probably do the first one in a thicker tough material so I can incorporate fitted pockets to hold various items I use while screen printing, like a temp gun.
I always sit the temp gun down where I would never look for it and end up spending a ton of time looking for it lol

**ratspike** · 18th March 17, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by eviltig

Looks Awesome!

I am gearing up to make a kilt gathering supplies and such. I saw some camo prints at Joann fabrics but the material was fairly thin so I figure I should take in a sample to match while I am still a newb.
I'll probably do the first one in a thicker tough material so I can incorporate fitted pockets to hold various items I use while screen printing, like a temp gun.
I always sit the temp gun down where I would never look for it and end up spending a ton of time looking for it lol

Don't waste your time with Joann. Their camouflage fabrics are garbage MIL knockoffs and crappy fashion patterns. Ebay is your friend for this stuff.
Textile Specialist
RRT Trading Post

The fabrics you want are nyco ripstop or twill, and poly/cotton ripstop or twill. The fabric weights are going to be 6-7oz and plenty durable. Don't get too caught up with thinking you need a super burly material, as you're making a garment and not load bearing gear or baggage.

**cyxa** · 19th March 17, 09:13 AM

Bob is absolutely correct on the fabric choices at Joann's. I scoped them out first but was NOT happy with anything they had and most of the stuff I saw was knit which wouldn't work unless you were trying for a casual pull up version. Which thinking about could be a nice laying around the house kind of thing. Hmmmm.

Anyways, Here are some of the pics of the kilt in action. I'm not happy with how it is not tight at the top and am having him return it for some additional velcro placement.

kilt in kitchen.jpg
kilt close up.jpg
kilt judo.jpg
twirling kilt.jpg

**Lady Grey** · 19th March 17, 11:48 AM

I really like it.
I have to own up to the fact I've made almost an identical kilt last year, same fabric & colour.
I love the digital Cammo. I don't have it here so I'm not sure what I did with the direction of the pattern. However it's something I will take into account next time.
I actually love the frayed hem - I do it often in wool- it wouldn't hold up to hiking or more strenuous activities but dancing around the house it looks great!

Congratulations on a Terrific kilt