Made a Casual Semi Trad Canvas +/- 6g Kilt

[O'Neille]

O.K. I had to do it. I decided to make a semi-traditional canvas kilt using instructions from a site I found on xmarks that would work for offroading and shop use. http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/chegc/kiltsite/page2.htm
It's a five yarder w/ 21 pleats and took about 4 hours to make with their instructions. It's kind of like working on aircraft. Figure out the dimensions, rivet pitch=pleat spacing, layout, drill and deburr=pin it togeter, rivet=sew. When I take it out on it's first test flight I hope it will take plus or minus 6 g's. It takes the same thought process and some visualization. Construction time was about 4 hours. Should be able to cut that down considerably now that I understand the basics. I took pictures of the process but when you leave the memory stick in the computer it doesn't do much good. I prewashed and dried the canvas and it fit great after being put together. It seems to have stretched a little so next wash will be hot and hot dry and hopefully that will bring it down an inch or so. It's canvas and meant to be abused so I used nylon webbing and buckles instead of leather and brass in my interpretation. I can put some detail photos up if anyone has interest. Here are the pictures.

Untucked (not a good look for me)


Right untucked


Left untucked


The leaner (tucked, I like it better)


Sewing (I'm getting better)


Back pleats (Needs final pressing)


You can still see some of the blue tailor's chalk marks. If anyone has any pressing technique advise, I'd appreciate it. These were pressed when I had it layed out before I put on the top binding and hardware. If you've been wanting to try it I would encourage you. I really appreciate the work that goes into making a kilt now. I'm glad I didn't have to deal with a tartan pattern on the first attempt. O'Neille

[cavscout]

Looks great. I like the fringed apron edge on these canvas kilts.

[David Dalglish]

Nice one-looks good

[Southern Breeze]

Nice job, it looks good.

[KiltedCodeWarrior]

Looks great. And only 4 hours?? Was that at one shot or over a few days?

[GMan]

First a comment, that is one fantastic looking Kilt! I am very impressed with your handiwork.

Secondly, do you play the banjo?

[O'Neille]

Looks great. And only 4 hours?? Was that at one shot or over a few days?

The four hours was the other night and I put the yardage in the washer and sat down to find some instructions. When It was dry I layed it out on my penninsula counter and started cutting and marking. About 4 hours later the beast was done except the buckles. Those took another half hour for layout and sewing. Here's some pics.

Under apron closure buckle


Over apron closure


Apron detail


Integrated binding and lining

Thanks for the comments. O'Neille

[Ruanaidh]

A great looking kilt. You do good work and only four hours yet.

It's kind of like working on aircraft.

I would have thought it was more like working on tanks.

[way2fractious]

THAT is an impressive accomplishment! You will probably find yourself reaching for this kilt for any number of jobs, chores, errands, and outings.

If anyone has any pressing technique advise, I'd appreciate it. These were pressed when I had it layed out before I put on the top binding and hardware.

Canvas kilts are easy to press. Lay the pleats on the narrow end of the ironing board and allow the top of the kilt (above the hip line) to hang off the end. Working with only a handful of pleats at a time, adjust them into proper alignment and press. Work the next sets of pleats into position on the board in the same way.

One other suggestion is to sew right along the edge of the pleats on the inside, or the outside, or both, to make them permanent. Even sewing just the inside (from hem to as far as the machine foot can reach near the fell) makes the job of aligning the pleats far easier at pressing time because they will fall neatly into line.

Again, congratulations on a job well done.