Where to find Tartan material?

[JimB]

For beginning kilt makers I would definitely recommend using fabric store material. You can make some dandy looking kilts for not very much and this material will give you practice without fear of ruining $80 per yard tartan.

A lot of times you can find tartan knock-offs by looking on the internet for wool plaid.

[MacWage]

For a FIRST kilt (only), I'd use a good heavy wool of the the hardest (least fuzzy) face, so as to simulate as much as possible the "feel" of working with worsted wool. Tartan is actually the best stuff to use. It is actually MUCH easier to deal with in making a handsewn kilt than ANYTHING else.

I'd also call The Scottish Weaver (in Charlotte, North Carolina, US) and ask what clearance worsted he has (if any). He HAD some Kelly of Sleat (in 2 different tartans) in 14 oz for a good deal, from an overorder. There MAY be some left still.