As a long time maker of things I have come across quite a few people who seem to think that no one else should attempt to make anything, as it is somehow stealing from them - yet their eyes light up and they almost fall over rushing to get a good look at things I have made when they realise they might be able to copy and sell the idea.

This is a world away from the good folks inhabiting X marks, who seem generous to a fault.

For a child you might find that you need to use braces to keep the kilt in place, as wee ones just don't have a waist and hips to keep things in place. another alternative is a waistcoat with buttons, and buttonholes in tabs sewn to the kilt.

A child's kilt could be made almost straight, if you intend to sew down the fell only a small amount of shaping at the back to bring the waistband into the small of the back would be required. Not that I have made a child's kilt, but I dressed my own two when they were small, so I know the problems of fitting things for them.

You might find that making an outfit rather than just a kilt will persuade your reluctant nephew that it isn't a skirt.

Anne the Pleater