My first (successful) homemade kilt

**Mudge** · 23rd June 11, 09:24 AM

The kilt looks great!!! I have make one using Barb's book "The Art of Kiltmaking"...lot more than I would've ever imagined!!!

**cryerelizabeth** · 26th June 11, 01:48 PM

Originally Posted by NeightRG

Actually, I think I figured out the bunched pleats - when sewing the fell, I stitched all the overlapping pleats together, instead of letting each pleat hang separately. A mistake I won't make again for several reasons.

So thats how you keep them from bunching!
dang it!

oh well, ill keep that in mind next time

**NeightRG** · 26th June 11, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by cryerelizabeth

So thats how you keep them from bunching!
dang it!

I'm far from an expert, but it looked that way after sewing up a couple of quick mock-ups. I'd seen a bunch of people say not to sew through more than one pleat. Now I think I know why.

Any more experienced kilt makers can back this up?

**ChattanCat** · 26th June 11, 07:45 PM

Originally Posted by NeightRG

I'm far from an expert, but it looked that way after sewing up a couple of quick mock-ups. I'd seen a bunch of people say not to sew through more than one pleat. Now I think I know why.

Any more experienced kilt makers can back this up?

I don't have much experience around a sewing machine. I do know how to make traditional hand sewn. Each pleat is sewn to the next pleat, repeat till all pleats are complete. There is steeking done on the inside of the pleats to hold up the inside of each pleat so it doesn't sag. The steeking goes thru as many layers as you can without catching the outer pleat layer.

Is your bunching because the material slides under the pressure of the foot on the sewing machine?

**Whidbey78** · 26th June 11, 08:59 PM

All-in-all I'd call this one a success! Nice job.

I learned to stitch through one pleat the hard way, which is a nice way of saying I really jacked-up my first one. Your's turned out much much better. Mine wasn't even wearable.

I'm looking forward to seeing your next one. Good luck and welcome to the obsession.

**Matt Richards** · 9th July 11, 03:23 PM

Looks great! It reminds me of the Hodden grey kilts worn by the London Scottish in World War I.

**Celtic Rogue** · 9th July 11, 04:58 PM

WOW Looks great! Kudos!!! I wish I could... or would try my hand at making one. Maybe this winter when I have more time. Thanks for sharing and the inspiration!!!