My journey as a kiltmaker -> WARNING, excessively long post.

**jhockin** · 20th July 13, 01:49 PM

and there is also your MacNaughton ( F&K fabric) that you documented, for us, on this forum ( & tho i've made around 10, so far, i still haven't made mine )

**Alan H** · 22nd July 13, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by jhockin

and there is also your MacNaughton ( F&K fabric) that you documented, for us, on this forum ( & tho i've made around 10, so far, i still haven't made mine )

Right....that's #36! How could I forget that one, sheesh, it's hanging in my closet!

**Alan H** · 22nd July 13, 11:27 AM

OC Richard...I've made about 5-6 "pretty traditional" kilts, as in the pleats are completely handsewn, and the inside of the pleats are cut out, and some significant bits of the rest of the kilt are handsewn as well. Oh, and the material is 13 or 16 ounce wool. However, I have yet to make any kilt where ALL of it is handsewn. Bits like the inside of the waistband....it just doesn't make any sense to handsew that, when machine-sewing is stronger and it's invisible.

MNLad ---- One of the great features of the X-Kilt, as many forum members have discovered, is it so easily lends itself to modifications--Rev K, pockets, wide apron, narrow apron, belt loops, straps, attachment points . . . It's whatever you want it to be. Once you've read through the instructions a couple of time and have one under your belt, you begin to understand the process and reasoning behind it and can take it anywhere you want from that point on.

EXACTLY. For even the worst craftsman, someone who's never sewn before and is clueless, they can make one, following the directions and now they have an idea what goes into making a kilt of any style. Make two, and they're really starting to get it. For the third one, it's time for anybody to start making them THEIR way....not "my" way.... and this is for the WORST dork with a sewing machine. Besides, the transition from X-kilt to a tartan box-pleat kilt is not difficult to make. Obviously the width of the box pleats will change but all the principles are basically the same.

The X-Kilt...a learning experience and a doorway to further kiltmaking, if anybody wants to use it for that.

Father Bill, why is it called the "X-Kilt"? ....uhhhhh... what's the name of the site we're posting on?