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