How long does it take to make a kilt?

**Paul Henry** · 29th April 10, 03:52 PM

It's not always easy to give exact timings! Things like working out the sett can take some time in itself!
I expect to get a kilt made from the bolt to sewing on the label in a comfortable 26-30 hours,this for a handsewn one. Working on a Dalgleish wool is nicer than a Marton Mills wool but this might be just a personal thing. I generally make a kilt over several days, I can't hand sew for a complete day without a break, at least my eyes can't take it!

**slohairt** · 29th April 10, 04:18 PM

It takes me about 25 hours to make an 8-yard knife pleated kilt. Obviously this can vary because of a complicated sett or a large individual. I find the heavier fabric a bit easier to work with than light weight. I rarely work with PV but it is a different beast altogether than wool especially when steaming/shaping. Also, ordering tartan from Mills like the House of Edgar who offer most of their tartans in single width means a bit of labour is saved by not having to join two pieces of fabric.

**bricelythgoe** · 29th April 10, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by paulhenry

I expect to get a kilt made from the bolt to sewing on the label in a comfortable 26-30 hours,this for a handsewn one.

Originally Posted by slohairt

It takes me about 25 hours to make an 8-yard knife pleated kilt.

Since these are hand sewn, how much time does using a machine save on making the kilt? I realize the quality may not be as nice, but I would just like to know. Would it cut it in half?

Brice

**KiltedKnome** · 30th April 10, 07:05 AM

Originally Posted by bricekolob

Since these are hand sewn, how much time does using a machine save on making the kilt? I realize the quality may not be as nice, but I would just like to know. Would it cut it in half?

Brice

I don't think using a sewing machine means the quality of the kilt is not as good. Quality is a reflection of attention to detail and precision, and an appreciation and grasp of the construction differences between machine sewn and handsewn. A kilt constructed using a sewing machine can be high quality or not, just as some handsewn kilts are high quality, and some are not.

From what I have observed at Freedom Kilts, the time required to make a kilt (using predominantly machine sewing) varies. Freedom Kilts can add tailored inset pockets which can add hours. For tartan fabrics the pleating decision affects how much time is required, as does the thickness/weight and the origin of the wool. For cotton and polyester/cotton fabrics, different techniques have to be used which dictate additional time at the sewing machine. Then add the size of the person into the mix, which affects amount of tapering, number of pleats, etc.