How difficult is it to shorten a kilt?

**keith_b** · 11th October 13, 05:43 AM

Hi guys,

I need some expert opinions. I've found a great deal on a heavyweight kilt in a family related tartan. Waist is the perfect size, unfortunately the drop is an inch too long. How difficult is it to shorten a 16oz wool kilt by an inch. I was thinking of sending it off to a kiltmaker to have done, not sure who, and was wondering if it was possible.

Thoughts?

Thank you kindly.

Keith.

**James Hood** · 11th October 13, 06:19 AM

On a couple cheapies, 'have given them to local tailor to take up with a blind hem stitch.

For a quality wool kilt, personal recommendation is to send to a real kiltmaker. 'Am currently working with Bonnie Heather Greene (on this site) and respect her expertise. Many others here are well regarded as well.

**cessna152towser** · 11th October 13, 06:23 AM

Best to pay an expert (kiltmaker) to do it for you. I once ruined a good kilt by trying to shorten it myself.

**Jock Scot** · 11th October 13, 06:25 AM

As you are only talking about an inch, how about trying raising the whole kilt an inch, before thinking about anything else? I suspect that there is a good chance that you could well find that is all that is needed. Worth a try?

**Father Bill** · 11th October 13, 06:25 AM

What about just wearing it an inch higher?

**Chas** · 11th October 13, 06:26 AM

It is not a difficult job, but it is time consuming. If you can use a needle and thread, you could do it yourself. It is after all only a hem. The fiddly bit is the repressing afterwards.

My Hunting MacLeod is hemmed and unless I tell someone they would never know.

**Mikilt** · 11th October 13, 06:42 AM

I have taken mine to a local tailor and been happy with the results.

**The Wizard of BC** · 11th October 13, 08:42 AM

Keith,

The total length of the kilt is only one thing you look at when trying it on.
Make sure you are wearing the waist of the kilt at the place it was designed to be worn. You can't wear a kilt designed for full rise down at your naval.

One thing about the fit that is not often mentioned is the bottom of the Fell.
When you have the kilt on, reach around behind and slide you fingers up, in the pleats, till you get to where they are sewn down and tapered. This should be right at the crest of your butt or hips. If it is lower than your butt you can't just hem it up. The kilt must be shortened from the top down.

Just up the road from you in Barrie is Burnett's & Struth. They are one of our advertisers and just good folks. Take your kilt, and the rest of your outfit, with you and have it looked at by Margaret Struth.

**Tartan Tess** · 11th October 13, 11:02 AM

Yeah, what Steve says: you don't want a hem in a 16 oz.

**keith_b** · 11th October 13, 11:45 AM

Thanks everyone. I've never had to have it done, so I wasn't sure it could be with good results. I appreciate the feedback and Burnett's & Struth is actually who I was thinking of sending it to.

Steve, if you're curious to know, the kilt in question has a drop of 25". My kilts have a drop of either 23 or 24 inches, worn right under my rib cage, probably an inch or two above my bellybutton. That's where I like 'em to sit. The 23" drop kilts, at that height, hit just above my kneecap, which I think is perfect - for me. I like to show a little leg.