converting my sport coat to a Kilt cut

**MacBean** · 11th November 10, 10:20 AM

I found an Irish tweed jacket with high, slanted pockets, double split in back, and nice buttons of a super color for my kilt. I took it to a tailor with a drawing of what I wanted. They simply shortened the coat.

I took it back and marked the coat in chalk with the precise curve I wanted. They made a straight diagonal cut, stating it would look better that way, and ruined the coat entirely; a shame.

I think I'd take documentation, mark in chalk, and also a photo of yourself in kilt and kilt jacket, so they understand what is needed. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand instructions.

**Moski** · 16th December 10, 09:42 AM

Originally Posted by MacBean

I took it back and marked the coat in chalk with the precise curve I wanted. They made a straight diagonal cut, stating it would look better that way, and ruined the coat entirely; a shame.

I definately would not take them any more business if that is the regard they show for your explicit instruction. No reasonable craftsman I think would condone making an irreversible alteration in opposition to what the customer directed W/O clearing it first out of respect to you and your property.

**Detroitpete** · 11th November 10, 10:29 AM

Here's a conversion that I have, made by Victoria (vmac3205). Orignally made for Alan H.

I just found a black suit coat in my size at a thrift store for $3.50. I'm sending it along with a black vest for Victoria to do her magic on.

**KWD** · 11th November 10, 10:45 AM

Detroitpete, THAT is exactly what I am looking for! I have a dark hunter, greenish sport coat, that I would love for it to look like the picture you have there!! hopefully Victoria can help me out!

**Tobus** · 11th November 10, 11:21 AM

Originally Posted by KWD

Detroitpete, THAT is exactly what I am looking for! I have a dark hunter, greenish sport coat, that I would love for it to look like the picture you have there!! hopefully Victoria can help me out!

Yes indeed she can! She's done two for me, and the work was outstanding.

**Curly** · 25th November 10, 12:45 PM

Ok! Gonna start looking for some used jackets. Please, what sized buttons are recommended? Horn or metal[some smashing Celtic designs about]...Also there is the question of cleaning the beast. Should the buttons be made detachable as some military tunics are? Inquiring minds and all that

Best, Curly

**Lyle1** · 25th November 10, 01:54 PM

Originally Posted by Curly

Ok! Gonna start looking for some used jackets. Please, what sized buttons are recommended? Horn or metal[some smashing Celtic designs about]...Also there is the question of cleaning the beast. Should the buttons be made detachable as some military tunics are? Inquiring minds and all that

Best, Curly

It will be simpler if you use buttons that are sized to fit through the existing button holes. Measure the diameter of the existing buttons, and buy the same size. You could re-cut the button holes if you want to use larger buttons, but I would not suggest using smaller buttons.

Choose a button that you like that will work well with the jacket. Unless you use really expensive buttons, I would not make the buttons detachable, though most buttons are (you snip a thread and get out the needle when you want to put them back on).