Inexpensive cloth

**Jerry** · 3rd January 06, 08:08 PM

I'm thinking of trying to make a kilt for myself. Since the only sewing experience I have had was sewing on rating badges and ship's patches on my Navy uniforms, I'd like to know what cloth is available that would be both inexpensive and make a decent kilt? I'm interested in learning both traditional and modern kilts.

**bubba** · 3rd January 06, 08:37 PM

I usually check the local Hancock Fabrics store. Now and then they have some decent fabric for kilts at cheap prices, 3 to 5 dollars a yard, on clearance.

**minimalistix** · 4th January 06, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by bubba

I usually check the local Hancock Fabrics store. Now and then they have some decent fabric for kilts at cheap prices, 3 to 5 dollars a yard, on clearance.

Got some camo. fabric at handcocks for like $1.50 yard that I'm going to try my hand at making a kilt. (Don't tell the tartan police though)

**Shay** · 4th January 06, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by minimalistix

Got some camo. fabric at handcocks for like $1.50 yard that I'm going to try my hand at making a kilt. (Don't tell the tartan police though)

It's the "Hunter" family tartan, donchaknow!

**bubba** · 4th January 06, 03:20 PM

A while back I got 9 yards of black, grey and white plaid wool fabric, a bit over 13 oz, for $3 a yard at Hancock. I bought all 9 1/2 yards they had.

**EastCoaster** · 5th January 06, 08:47 AM

Definately make a trial kilt first. I know I've made a couple non tartened kilts first before trying the real thing, and glad I did. (Still haven't got around to making my own tartened kilt yet, but the practise is out of the way.

**Pleater** · 3rd January 06, 09:18 PM

Before cutting into a quality fabric you might like to try out your method using a bed sheet - a flat single size will usually give you enough material and you can get a navy or other dark colour, plus the edges are already hemmed.

I have used a 'Habitat' sheet in 100percent cotton. I used some of the spare central strip as the under apron to increase the length of material. I sewed the pleats from waist to hem to keep the crease - a fabric with some polyester can probably be pressed and will keep the fold - but be careful not to overdo the heat as man made fibres go hard when melted. It is better to have the fabric in softer folds which require pressing at intervals than ruin all your hard work.

You might need to practise a bit to get the pleats evenly spaced and well pressed. If you make a cotton kilt first it is something to wear around the house, even if it does not turn out all that smart.

Good luck

**mbhandy** · 3rd January 06, 10:01 PM

Hi Jerry,

You might try:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZgoban062302QQhtZ-1

I got some 16 oz blended wool and after I washed it, it will make two nice 5yd. kilts. One for me and one for barter.

MrBill

**Shay** · 3rd January 06, 10:08 PM

My first one was McJoann's clearance cotton. Doubled for weight, all in all maybe a buck or two a yard!

**KiltedCodeWarrior** · 3rd January 06, 10:19 PM

Joanne's or Hancock's or Wal-mart will probably have some material in a suitable pattern/tartan/solid for a first kilt as a practice run. If you are really good, it will be acceptable for wearing in public, and if not, you won't know on the first one, so you'll wear it in public anyway!

Seriously, you can find some inexpensive fabric at any fabric/sewing outlet. Just buy something you would not mind wearing if made professionally, not made by you. You are looking for cheap fabric that has the POTENTIAL to look nice, your skills are in making it look good when assembled are another matter entirely!