Reviewer Name: Andrew "Haiku" Breecher
Age: 27
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 140 lbs.

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Weight (advertised): n/a
Weight (as tested): 15 oz.
Price: $69.50 (before shipping)
Manufacturer web address: http://www.sportkilt.com

Polyester kilt
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Construction, Design, or Initial Impression:
"Rugged" (i.e. fairly heave) weight polyester material, pleated kilt. Fastens across the front panel with a long strip of velcro. The velcro has a space in the centre of it, where a tiny pocket is hidden between the front and back panels - would be handy to keep money and credit cards in when in town.

Picture: http://www.breecher.com/kilt/ (sorry about the popups; free web site)

This kilt differs from the Mountain Hardwear one in two major regards: it's in tartan, and it's pleated, both like a "real" kilt and not as much like the sarong-style of the M.H. kilt.

I'm a tall, skinny guy, so I ordered the large for the length of the kilt (I don't need a mini-kilt, though King Missile has a funny song about one) but the suggested Large waist size of 30-38" is generous. I have a 32" waist, and the extra tab of kilt sticking out past the velcro to make it tight around my waist would catch on things and probably leave me suddenly kiltless. No matter, I'll put a buttonhole in the end and sew a button onto the kilt where the size fits me - it'll be more secure that way. Otherwise I could just sew or glue on another bit of velcro where needed. I don't see this as a problem at all, since clothes never fit me right (large clothes are baggy on me, and medium clothes are too short for my arms).

The material is pretty heavy, and the kilt definitely weighs more than my hiking pants. I don't know if I'll notice this while hiking, since I'll be wearing the kilt all the time, and won't have it in my pack. The pleats won't interrupt my stride at all, since there's plenty of material (not the full eight yards of a traditional kilt, though).

Since it's 16 degrees outside now I haven't tested this yet, but wanted to post my initial reaction. I'll follow-up with a test once it gets warmer.

Haiku.

Haiku,
thanks for the update. Sounds like I might be gettting a new kilt soon! Which tartan is it that you got?
Yeti

The "St. Paddy's Day Special" (though it isn't in fact St. Patrick's tartan, which has yellow stripes instead of red). I got it for two reasons: 1) I'm Irish, not Scottish, so I'm not really "allowed" to wear Scottish tartans, and 2) I thought green would go better in the woods than red or something else.

Haiku.

My lineage is the Logan clan but I like the generic color of the MH kilt, thanks again to Trail Yeti for putting onto them...when are we getting together for that beer in Boone Trail Yeti? I' m just 30-35 minutes away in Roan Mountain.

Simva,
I will be in Damascus next week, hiking through there. Me you and Lone Wolf could all meet at Dots for a brew!!
email me and I will let you know.
Yeti

I am thinking about getting one of these kilts. I can not believe they are so expensive. What is so special that they cost so much. I thought they were just a piece of cloth wrapped around your waist?

yeah attroll the price sucketh. and yes it is a piece of cloth, and I even had to take mine to a seamstress at the local dry cleaner to get more snaps put on/repositioned...but woooah the comfort...and yes my girlfriend still teases me about it as do my daughters-oh well the price of comfort...the beauty for me is the way they work with tall gaitors....

I'm in the butt plug clan, so my kilt is a navy blue ExOfficio that has an entire thruhike on it. The back is a little frayed, but it's still in great shape. I think it's sad, in our culture, that in order for males to wear a skirt, even those who wear them, have to call them kilts. It's a free country but there are soooo many bs cultural rules.

I am pretty close to ordering one. But I can not decide on a pattern. I don't want to go with a solid color because it will show all the dirt and mud that I pick up and on a long hike it will look pretty nasty. Going with cotton may not be a good idea do you thin? So I was thinking about the following four but can not make up my mind.

Wicked Warrior
Royal Stewart
Scots Skye
Scotts Plaid

I think "Plain Irish Green" would be nice. It would match Whiteblaze.net's colors but I don't think it would look good on me. LOL

checked out the kilts and they are interesting but as Simva said, a little pricey... these 3 websites give directions or patterns for making your own kilt. Seems a cheaper alternative...Now, if I could actually sew!!!


http://users.tinyonline.co.uk/chegc/kiltsite/kilt.htm

http://users.pandora.be/tripticdesign/kilt_making.html

http://www.scottishdance.net/highland/MakingKilt.html

Don, I checke out those sites...I too cannot sew (but my momma can) but I don't think she or I would be willing to sew for 20 hours...that's what the one site said it would take.
Think I will just buy one.
AT Troll- I like the scots skye. In fact, if iwas more scottish than Irish i would probalby get it. I am trying to decide between the Irish Clover and the Irish Eyes... I am partial to the larger squares when it comes to Tartans. go for the kilt man, its worth the money!!!!
oh and Haiku, NICE LEGS!!! HA HA HA

next time I'll pay more attention to the fine print!!!!

Is there a real need to have all those pleats in a kilt? It requires far more fabric (and weight) with all those pleats. My brother-iin-law claims that his kilt contains 12 pounds of wool! Does the MH kilt have pleats? I'm trying to decide on a design for my rain kilt, but I don't think that silnylon would hold pleats very well.

Deb,
the MH kilt does not have pleats...it is basically a wrap around skirt. A traditional kilt would probably have that much weight in wool, but these are not made of wool...I think Haiku weighed his and said it was 15 oz.

I just measured my Sport Kilt - it's made with 122" (~10' or 3.4 yards) of polyester material, and 22" from waist to hem (2,684 square inches). A traditional kilt is made of 8 yards (288") of wool, 30" wide (8, 640 square inches). So you can see why, apart from material weight of wool compared to polyester, a traditional kilt would weigh more than my Sport Kilt's 15 oz.

What the pleats will do over the sarong-style of the MH kilt is not impede your stride. You certainly don't need 3 yards of material (my waist size is 32"; add another 12" for overlap between my hip bones for the bare minimum of material that could make up a sarong-style skirt for me. Without any sort of flare at all at the hem, your stride would be impeded. In my kilt, I could do splits (if I could) and the material wouldn't be riding up my legs because of it.

Haiku.

EDIT: Double post, deleted second copy.

Hey DebW, I'm also doing the rain kilt, it seems fine just to wrap the nylon around and velcro it at the top, in fact I think it's better as pleats would alow it to blow up, negateing it's anti-hydrous effects. Anyone ever see a catalogue called Museam Replica's Limited? Fully functional arms and armor from many times and places, including kilts(dry clean only:mad: )tartans, targs,tammy's... Older Roman age Celtic swords... Viking crap, Renesaince etc.

....I ordered my Sport Kilt today!!! Yes, I figure its time to retire the MH, skip warp speed and go straight to PLAID!!!
Since, like Haiku, I am more Irish than Scottish I ordered the Irish Clover. Should be here by the time I get back from hiking next week, so I will let y'all know what I think. I ordered by phone and the people at Sport Kilt were extremely nice...so far good customer service. Anyway, will post an update when I can and pics soon after.
So a new kilt is on the way!!!:banana :banana :banana :banana
Life is sooo GOOD (going hiking for Spring Break), WEAR A KILT!!!
Trail Yeti
GA-ME 02

...well it came yesterday....just in time for St. Patty's Day! I got the Irish Clover tartan...it is absolutely beautiful! The main "squares" are navy blue and kelly green with a yellowish pinstripe. quite striking. The pattern consists of larger squares than the one Haiku got. I will post a pic as soon as I get one done.
The kilt is well made, it actually feels heavier than my mtn hardwear. I am curious to know how fast it dries after rain.
It drapes great, much more freedom of movement than my old one. I wore it all night last night, got lots of complements. Going up and down stairs, the back does not feel as restrictive as the mtn hardwear ( I assume its because of the pleats). It also automatically falls in front when sitting so I reckon the flashing aspect won't be quite so bad.
I am 5'6' and they recommended a Large to make sure the length would be correct. It hangs to the mid point of my kneecap. The width is long, because I have a 28 inch waist. They included a strip of velcro to attach to offset this problem. I was worried about this messing up the pleats but they said no problem. So when I wrap my kilt it goes over about 2 inches past my hip bone.
But it still looks fine (Moonshine approves), and the length is perfect, I didn't want to be wearing a "mini-kilt".
First impression is good, I can't wait to take it hiking! Maybe next week, as it is supposed to be gross this weekend.
Good customer service so far and impressive product. Will post more when available.
life is good, wear a SPORT KILT!
Trail Yeti:banana

I wore my Sport Kilt on St. Paddy's Day as well - wore it to work and got lots of compliments (and a very nice smile from a very nice-looking lady on the subway). I can't wait to go hiking in it!

Haiku.

Trail Yetti, we are going to be some cool guys sporting our kilts on the trail now. I can't wait to get mine in. The boys are shouting freedom! I ordered the Black Stewart tartan. I thought it looked really nice and it is Scottish. If its Nay Scottish, Its Crap! - Flying Scotsman. I hope to see the kilt scene increase on the trail. Hope others enjoy theres. I will post back the day I get mine.

-Cpt. Chaos (Formerly Known As Lil Rebel)

Recently discoverd something I dont like about my quilt---on the hike from Deep GapNC to Dicks Creek it rained and rained all day long,,,,when the kilt got soaked it 'stuck' to my left thigh and would drag when I walked--any suggestions????

squeeze out the excess water, it will dry faster. i never had that problem.

Aye, Me Laddies, Did you check out the material for makin' yer own? Tartans (http://www.mcrok.com)Though me and my English friends prefer KnickersPlus Fours (http://www.tbarryknickers.com)

I am new to the kilt thing you guys are talking about. Tho it does sound nice to wear with the freedom and all. Dont you guys get sketter bites up in there if they are hanging free?

Yes, you can get skeeter bites up there but only when you stop hiking and are sitting around unladylike. Usually the hikers around you hit you with something and you close your legs.

My biggest concern now is how to keep the pleats while hiking with my sport kilt. When I hit a town, do I just ask around for an iron or do I just leave the kilt without pleats?

I just went on a three-day hike on the AT in my kilt. It rained all day one day, and I slept in the kilt in my sleeping bag both evenings. The pleats are just fine. I don't know if they'll get messed up over a longer period.

Here's a picture of me in my kilt!
http://www.breecher.com/andrewday26.jpg

Haiku.

Were you comfortable enough? I am thinking of getting a Mountain Hardware kilt to hike in and use my sport kilt for Highland Games or when I thru hike, keep it in my bounce box.

Yes, it is good to worry about your pleats. If you lose them the fashion police wrestle you off the trail.

My kilt review:

I was hiking for three days. It rained all day the first day, and the kilt got fairly wet - the front panel was entirely soaked, and the hem around the rest of it got wet (my pack protected the top of the back of the kilt), as can be seen here: http://www.breecher.com/andrewday22.jpg When wet, the kilt was noticably heavier - the material does absorb water.

The next two days were warmer and humid from the rain. I did find that the kilt was fairly warm. It covers my legs to my knees, and the material is heavy enough to make me feel warmer. I don't know how I'd feel if it were really hot out. On this trip I didn't take off my gaiters or my shirt - that would help in terms of keeping cool as well.

Other than that, the kilt worked out great. There was no impediment to my stride, and I was able to raise my foot up onto high rocks with no problem at all. When it was cool out I raised my tall gaiters, and in the evening cool I sat cross-legged with the kilt over my legs and bare feet, and it was as if I had a light blanket on me.

Trail Yeti - your reputation preceeds you. I had one flip-flopper ask if I was Yeti because his trail name this year is Yeti, and he'd heard that there was someone else with that name who hiked in a kilt. Another older couple of section hikers whose names I didn't get saw my kilt and also mentioned Trail Yeti, going so far as to say that he writes "wear a kilt" in the registers. So there you go - you're famous.

Haiku.

Haiku, loved the picture. I am glad to hear about the pleat. I went Sunday to several local outfitters and found the Mtn Kilt by Mountain Hardware. I tried it on and liked it. The one thing is, it does look more like a skirt than a true kilt. Yet, I loved the idea of all the pockets. I may e-mail sport kilt and see if they can start making kilts with pockets.

yeah the MH wrap has no pleats. I have not worn a MH version. I think it would impede your stride without the pleats. I'll stick to my real woollen kilt and my sport kilt!

(i wasnt impressed at all by the MH kilt)

The Sport Kilt has one small (credit card sized) pocket in front, hidden away between the velcro fastener at the waist. It's enough to keep money and license and ATM card in to go into town, but not for anything bigger. The only thing I'd really want to have quick access to while hiking would be my camera, and that wouldn't be comfortable in any pocket of any kind of legwear, so I don't think a pocket is necessary. Doesn't the MH kilt have a side "cargo style" pocket? Wouldn't anything in that bang against your leg a lot as you walk?

Anyway, I liked my kilt for my weekend hike. I'm going to be hiking the JMT in a month, so we'll see how it does on a longer hike, and with big temperature fluctuations.

Haiku.

Looks like I will be getting a sport kilt. Just found this post, and even though I have known about sport kilt for a few years, you guys finally made my decision. And as a plus, I can also wear the kilt at work at the Ohio Ren Fest :sun
A small problem I have is the 15 Oz weight, my shorts only weigh about 4.5 Oz, but I think the comfort level of the kilt will offset the weight difference. I am more comfy in a kilt than shorts, been wearing a kilt for about 3 years now, but my current 2 wee kilts weigh a bit over 2 Lbs & 3 lbs respectivly & my great kilt is over 8 lbs (I havn't weighed it, but it's way heavy).

Doctari

I got the black stewart tartan sport kilt last fall, but it's been way to cold here in Maine to try it out. My wife and nieces love to poke fun, but I'm ready to try it as soon as the weather warms just a little. It's very comfortable around the house and doing quick chores outside around the house. As for the pocket dilemma, the Scots wore a sporran on the front, but a small fanny pack on the front instead of behind would hold all valuables like camera, snacks, cash, etc.

I got a sport kilt in Oct. (Pub Crawler) and have worn it on many a hike before the snow flew.

I made a traditional sporane for the front out of some old leather scraps and fur and I use a couple of carabeeners as a buckle.
It holds some goo and snacks and a map/compass at least. I have not over stuffed it yet.

I also do a bunch of camping with the boy scouts and changing in front of them or in a shelter on the AT is easier by pulling bottoms on or off under the kilt. I did move the wrong way this weekend and blinded another adult leader by the site of the other sack I carry in the front http://www.msnusers.com/BarrysPicsfromtheTop/shoebox.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=87

Well, the board ate my first reply, which was much more comprehensive... :((

At any rate, I wear the kilt I made when I play the pipes in public. And it's not as terribly hard as may be believed. If anyone wants to see me in my kilt, go to

http://www.realmenwearkilts.net/GRIER2003.HTM.

Second row of pictures, the group photos, I'm the big, shaved-head/goatee'd one with sunglasses and a brownish kilt, long-sleeved white shirt, five kilts from the right.

While kiltmaking is time intensive, I think 20 hours is a bit much. Mostly, the time is involved in the pinning of the thing, not the sewing.

With all this talk, though, of sport kilts, I am seriously looking into the idea, as I can definitely attest that a kilt is a marvelously comfortable garment to wear.

If there is more interest in kilt making, I'll be glad to post some construction tips and ideas, fwiw.

Y'all have a good'n!
Pj

If there is more interest in kilt making, I'll be glad to post some construction tips and ideas, fwiw.
Pj
If the instructions are the full yardage type, I would be interested in making one.

I remember somewhere seeing a posting that a person wore a full wrap kilt and used it at night as a sleep system. I would like to give that a shot with regards to traveling light.

Thanks in advance and thanks to everyone for not commenting on my bird legs. :banana

I’m gonna get either black watch or Gordon dress (I’m a descendant of clan Gordon) or something green or brown.

All 3 of my other kilts are home sewn, I probably have 6 hours of sewing in all combined. So, IMHO 20 hours am a bit high :-? however, construction: measuring, cutting, pinning, etc. may add up to near that, esp for a beginner.

As I said afore, I love wearing a kilt. Would have one of mine on now but I just got home from work. A kilt isn't for everyone, you need a serous lack of embarrassment factor, and as a professional (part time) performer I ain’t exactly shy. Also, self confidence is a must, after all to most Americans a kilt is a skirt and a skirt is a dress and a dress is worn ONLY by women.

I like the sport kilt because they offer it in many patterns, in quick drying polyester, in a traditional cut. AND, the price can’t be beat. The little pocket is a plus too.

Doctari.

You know Kilts are wonderful to wear and yes they can take some getting use to. I've made two kilts, both out of double wide worsted wool, and man they are heavy even if you don't get the worsted material. I thought of wearing one of mine, but if you get a snag or a pulled seam or a ripped seem you may end up showing the world "what the stork saw". If you wear a full wrap, that means you would probablly need alterations every month or so depending on the weight you lose. Not to mention if you get it wet. (weightwise) I'm going to leave my at home.
I think I saw someone that made those sport kilts in Harpers Ferry on a web page for like $40.00 or something. That's something to look into. I'll try to find the URL for that site. http://www.theoutfitteratharpersferry.com/
Do a site search for kilt (pops right up) $39.95
1(888)535-2087 Toll Free

I just went on a three-day hike on the AT in my kilt. It rained all day one day, and I slept in the kilt in my sleeping bag both evenings. The pleats are just fine. I don't know if they'll get messed up over a longer period.

Here's a picture of me in my kilt!
http://www.breecher.com/andrewday26.jpg

Haiku.
Your page is gone! Do you have these pics posted elsewhere?

Your page is gone! Do you have these pics posted elsewhere?Imagine a guy wearing a pleated, non-floral, knee length skirt. That is what it looks like. They make them out of thicker fabric and put pockets on them to make them look less like women's skirts.

Imagine a guy wearing a pleated, non-floral, knee length skirt. That is what it looks like. They make them out of thicker fabric and put pockets on them to make them look less like women's skirts.

I was browsing Sgt. Rock's photo section yesterday and there is a picture of him wearing a very sporty looking kilt. Maybe he will chime in on this.

I like the feel, but honestly I haven't hiked in it yet. I would like it more if it at least had some tartan to it.

..... I would like it more if it at least had some tartan to it.Howdy Top,
That is the reason I am making my own kilt. Already got the prototype done, and I have the most awesome tartan pattern fabric to make the trail model with. I was surprised at how easy a kilt is to make.
My own design includes two large cargo pockets on sides of the kilt for my rain jacket and rain pants. Plus my rain jacket has a pocket on the front of it that will be perfect for carrying my kilt in nasty weather.

Imagine a guy wearing a pleated, non-floral, knee length skirt. That is what it looks like. They make them out of thicker fabric and put pockets on them to make them look less like women's skirts.
SportKilts don't actually have pockets on the outside, they do have a small pocket hidden between the aprons though. They are also normally made from a polyester based tartant material.
I think you might be thinking about a Utilikilt, most of which have large cargo pockets on the outside (some have interior pockets like pants) and are made from solid colored cotton or 65%/35% poly cotton blends.

SportKilts don't actually have pockets on the outside, they do have a small pocket hidden between the aprons though. They are also normally made from a polyester based tartant material.
I think you might be thinking about a Utilikilt, most of which have large cargo pockets on the outside (some have interior pockets like pants) and are made from solid colored cotton or 65%/35% poly cotton blends.I like the fabric that the Sportskilts are made from, but I do not like the design. The opposite can be said for Utilitkilts. I don't like the fabric, but I love the design.
That is why I decided to make my own.

I like the fabric that the Sportskilts are made from, but I do not like the design. The opposite can be said for Utilitkilts. I don't like the fabric, but I love the design.
That is why I decided to make my own.

The poly/cotton, since it is mainly poly, works pretty well, but I wouldn't want to go hiking on the AT in one of my cotton Utilikilts.
If you have any questions feel free to email me or send me a message, I work for Utilikilts.

I sort of feel the same way about the Kilt I have. the design is nice, and I like the material for feel, but I don't like the color. Maybe if I got some magic markers and made my own tartan on it :-?

Geez guys, light is right, right? Screw all this sewing and stuff, us guys like things simple. Go out and buy a knee length silk skirt from the thrift store or the Bon. People may laugh and say you're wearing a skirt, but you just correct them and say, "It's a kilt!" A silk kilt... when male hikers in this country start wearing them, I know mini-kilts are just around the corner:p ;)

Howdy All,
I have been working on my own kilt. I just want to say, I ******ing HATE pleats! I did not realize how much of a pain in the a** they can be to sew. I am sure it is just my inexperiance, and the annoyance will make my pride in finishing it even greater.

Don, I checke out those sites...I too cannot sew (but my momma can) but I don't think she or I would be willing to sew for 20 hours...that's what the one site said it would take.
Think I will just buy one.
AT Troll- I like the scots skye. In fact, if iwas more scottish than Irish i would probalby get it. I am trying to decide between the Irish Clover and the Irish Eyes... I am partial to the larger squares when it comes to Tartans. go for the kilt man, its worth the money!!!!
oh and Haiku, NICE LEGS!!! HA HA HA

20 hours!?!?!?!?!?!

To make a Kilt???

My first took about 8 Hrs.

My latest was done in less than 3 hrs. including putting on the velcro & a inside pocket.


Update, decided to make my own instead of buying a sport kilt. Will be making another today. Dark green generic plad. Going to play with the location of the pocket, last one is nice but somewhat unaccesable as I put it too high. May lower it, but havn't decided yet.

BTW: all my kilts are wool (Of various weights), but I have made (For son & a friend) a cotton one & a Polyester one.

Doctari.

I love reading your post guys... too long, too short, not the right color, too many pleats... next you'll be asking if your butt looks big in that style...

Thanks for the giggles. (PS: I made my own skirts for most of my hike. Then feel in love with a $5.00 clearance skirt made out of board short material from Wally World. Feels soft, dries in a jiffy and I'm told it does not make my butt look big! :) ) Sue/HH

I love reading your post guys... too long, too short, not the right color, too many pleats... next you'll be asking if your butt looks big in that style...

Thanks for the giggles. (PS: I made my own skirts for most of my hike. Then feel in love with a $5.00 clearance skirt made out of board short material from Wally World. Feels soft, dries in a jiffy and I'm told it does not make my butt look big! :) ) Sue/HH

It's not the kilt that makes my butt look big, it's my big butt that makes my butt look big :bse
The new kilt is nearly done, looks great on me (Big butt & all) & is a dark green with Very dark (almost black) green stripes & thin yellow band, looks ALMOST like the Clan Gordon tartan, (My family descends from Clan Gordon).

BTW: My wife no longer asks "Does this dress make me look fat?" At least after I once answered reasonably, or so I though: "No, it's your fat that makes you look fat." :p For some reason she hit me, go figure. :-?

I gotta get that internal screen fixed ;)

Doctari.

Someone was looking for some pictures of kilts. Here's some action shots from this year. I wore a kilt about 2/3 of my thru. I liked the Sportkilt fabric better than the MH, but it was heavier and dried slower. The MH kilt dries really fast, but is more restrictive in movement. MH also had pockets, but I only used them when I was in town.

I'm not nearly talented enough to make my own, my hat's off to you guys.

SportKilt
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=49387

Mountain Hardware kilt
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=51378

.

BTW: My wife no longer asks "Does this dress make me look fat?" At least after I once answered reasonably, or so I though: "No, it's your fat that makes you look fat." :p For some reason she hit me, go figure. :-?

I gotta get that internal screen fixed ;)

Doctari.
You might want to get a more comfortable couch until you get that internal screen fixed (just in case you have to sleep on it!)

Do you have any pictures of how you designed your kilts? I'm going to try my hand at making one, and it would be helpful to learn from others who have done this before. Also, where do you typically get your material?

Hey Dharma! Nice to see your pictures - I'll have to check out the rest of them.

This is quite the resurrected thread. I hiked the whole AT in a Bear Kilt (http://www.bearkilts.com), which is made of poly/viscose material, and is a world above Sport Kilts in quality of construction: full apron, pleated to sett, deeper pleats. It was warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I won't even wear my Sport Kilt anymore because I'm spoiled by my Bear Kilt (though now that I've hiked in it, I just wear my wool kilt or UtiliKilt).

There are plenty of photos on my Trail Journal (http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?trailname=1681).

Haiku.

my Trail Journal (http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?trailname=1681). Haiku.

Man I just hate those little black "censored" bans. ;)

Quite the photo!! Sue/HH

You might want to get a more comfortable couch until you get that internal screen fixed (just in case you have to sleep on it!)

Do you have any pictures of how you designed your kilts? I'm going to try my hand at making one, and it would be helpful to learn from others who have done this before. Also, where do you typically get your material?


According to my wife, I have no internal monologue :) Not exactly true, but I do generally say what I am thinking (6 years training as an improv actor at the Ohio ren fest destroyed what little "screens" I had to begin with)

In spite of my previous post, the newest kilt isn't actually done, I messed up. Fortunately I caught it in time (before final sewing) and will be re doing it soon. May wait till son is off work so he can do the camera thing.

The new kilt uses a little less material than I usually use, so has fewer pleats (My favorite has 12 pleats) with only 8. That is actually where I "Messed up", made the pleats the same as the one with ample material.

Quick guide to how I do it:
First you need to determine fabric, (I know: Duh!) I like wool, but use what ever is comfortable for you.
Then measure how long the kilt needs be: Kneel on the floor, preferably without carpet or padding, have someone else measure from floor to YOUR waist, you kneel “at attention” for the best measurement. I put a finger where I want the waist, my wife always thinks it should be 3 to 4 inches higher.

Measure your waist from right hip, all the way around, past your right hip all the way to your left hip. Add at least 6 to 8 inches per pleat (OR MORE!) If, as I am you are about 22” from waist to knee (floor) & want 12 or so pleats, you can get away with about 2 yards of material. You will then need to cut the material in half (actually two 22” wide pieces), then sew them end to end, (one time) being sure to match the pattern. A serger sewing machine is real handy here. If you are taller than ½ the material, you will need to buy enough yards to fit you. Determine where you want the front or outside apron to hit on your right side, and where the inside apron is to hit on your left, & how far forward the pleats are to come. I have the pleats fall just behind midline on each hip. Place a marker (I use 2 large safety pins) where the pleats are to start/end.
Fold the pleats (I’ll try to have pictures soon on how I do this) making sure you overlap the previous pleat by about ½ to 1 inch (or more) Pinning each pleat in place as you go. If I get it right, move on to next step, if not: take the pins out & start again, if too much material left, cut excess off or make the pleats larger, if not enough material, add material (preferably to inside apron) or make smaller pleats.
Mark BOTH folds of each pleat I am using white chalk on this one), now is time to sew: Sew each pleat on its edge, i.e.; make each pleat permanent (See attempt at drawing below) at least at the waist. I sew 1/16-inch in & about 4 inches down. Do NOT sew all the way down! (again, will try to show on the pics. As Pvt. Morrison will attest, this part sucks). Once you have sewn each pleat now you sew the pleats together, (see drawing 2) Then you sew on the waist band (drawing #3, add elastic now if you like) while keeping the pleats lined up.

I close my kilts with Velcro, 2 of each side, one set for the inner apron & one for the outer apron. & I have a kilt pin at the bottom of the outer apron (about $5.00 & 1 Oz).

I hope this helps.


#1
One pleat sewn: sew at “x”

__x________________________________________
(__x________________________________________x__
___________________________________________x__)

#2
Then sew together, at x
__x____________________________________
(__x______________________________
_______________________x__________________________ ____)
(______________________x__
_______________________x___)

#3
| = pleat line , _ = top of kilt, x = sew here (apx ¼ inch from top then about 3 inches below that):

_______
| | | |
| | | |
xxxxxxxx
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
Elastic here
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
xxxxx
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |


Drawing #3 didn't go as planned, I think you will get the idea.

Doctari.