A few questions before I tear into this tartan...

[Barb T]

Hi Carrie,

On your first question, I always add 1/2" to the measurements of any kilt that I make but put the buckles on at the actual measurements. That way, if someone grows even a tiny bit the underapron won't show. I think for your daughter, adding even an inch to her measurements and putting the buckles on at her current measurements won't be a problem.

I've actually put a 5" hem into a kilt before - I'm drawing a blank on why I did it, but it was one of those "no choice" things. Maybe I was taking up the hem on an existing kilt?? Anyway, it actually worked OK. Whether that's a good choice to make or not really depends on the length of the kilt. You daughter looks tallish for her age, so it could be OK. And you'll eventually let some of it out anyway. I would not rip the selvedge off, because you don't want a raw edge, and turning it double will make it way too bulky.

But why don't you just turn it up so that the black line is just behind the pink, at the 4" line? I don't see any reason why you need to go to 5.5". Or fold it just above the black line at about 2.75"? I honestly don't think that the black line would show if it were just on the inside of the kilt at the very bottom. Try it and see.

Splits look fine!

A comment for Llama: if you're going to practice, get a piece of inexpensive wool. Trying to make a kilt from cotton using the instructions in TAoK is tough, because the instructions are predicated on being able to shape the fabric by stretching and pressing, which you just can't do with cotton.