My first (successful) homemade kilt

[cdarwin]

Very impressive work! I'd say that one is a success. Good choice on obtaining The Art of Kiltmaking as well.

[ErikGarrett]

Too cool. I would love to have the guts to plunge into this project. Did you use a machine or hand stitch?

[NeightRG]

I like the inlay in the floor, too. Too bad my furniture covers all by one of the stars.
The fabric is a lighter weight - maybe around 9 oz - worsted wool. If I recall correctly, the length ended up being about five yards. I'm hoping to find another grey wool like this, but heavier and longer - a tank in that grey would be the ultimate "everything" kilt.

[McClef]

Amazing for a first effort and without having read Barb's book!

9 oz does sound a little on the light side but will stand you in good stead when you come to make the tank version.

[ChattanCat]

Nice work, I am sure you will be able to figure out what the fix for the bunching of the pleats at the bottom of the fell when you read the AofKM.

[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.

[cryerelizabeth]

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]

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]

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?

[Mudge]

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