Making my first X-Kilt

**Jake_S** · 13th March 08, 07:50 AM

I pinned the taper last night, and tried it on before I stitch them down. The fit is good, a little loose around the hips, but not noticeable except to me. My wife was very shocked that the piece of fabric that I purchased 2 months ago (yes, I did say 2 months ago. I'm a little slow) is almost a kilt now, and it looks good.

I'll throw some pics up tonite after I sew the taper, the waistband, and the belt loops on.

I am so EXCITED!!!!!!! It's almost finished *Doing the happy dance*

Jake

**Alan H** · 13th March 08, 12:49 PM

Just checking in...

Regarding tapering, yes, what you are doing is making those three-inch wide pleats, narrower as they approach the waist.

You don't taper the first and last pleats because they are actually on the front part of your body. You want to work in a lot of taper on the next two pleats....and the two pleats before the last pleat....to help the kilt wrap around your body.

the you distribute the rest of the taper you need over the rest of your remaining pleats.

If you're "stout" I think the thing to do is work in "less" taper on pleat #2 and #3, and also on the next-to-the-last...and the next-to-the-next-to-the last pleat, and then get a little more in the pleats that will lie in the middle of your back.

Looking forward to the pictures!

**Jake_S** · 13th March 08, 01:01 PM

Thanks for the explanation Alan. I would definitely not be considered of "stout" stature. I tried on the kilt last night after pinning the tapers and it fits well in the waist. Let's hope that I can sew the tapers down with out screwing them up.

I hope to have pics up tomorrow night.

**Jake_S** · 13th March 08, 01:02 PM

And Alan, thanks for writing that manual. Next time I'm in Cali, I'll buy you your choice of beverage.

**Jake_S** · 13th March 08, 09:16 PM

UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!

I finished the kilt, except the belt loops. I have pics and they will be uploaded tomorrow. Sorry there isn't a shot of the pleats.

Let me say that this was a fun project, and I learned a lot (like how to use a sewing machine!).

I will be making another kilt in the same material for my brother (who is currently kiltless), and I will post pics of that one when it's finished also.

I want to give a great big thanks to everyone that answered my questions, and to Alan (again) for taking the time to write the manual.

OK, it's late and I will stop rambling.

Jake