Kilt for a Highland Dancer

[Arnot]

I have been asked to make a kilt for a 10 year old girl. Apart from the growing room stuff, are there any other differences in construction of the kilt for a highland dancer? Is the rise any less? Any information will be greatly appreciated.

[Barb T]

Hi Arnot,

A kilt for a dancer is made exactly the same as a kilt for a man, although the tartan is typically lightweight (11 oz). Putting a hem in, making the kilt an inch or so too big (but putting buckles on at the current size), and adding a hidden pleat all give the kind of flex that you need for growing room. Tartan for dancers are typically dress tartans (a white-based tartan shows up better against the background of outdoor highland games competition stages), and the setts for "dancer's tartans" are typically on the smaller side (5-6"). To get good swing, you still need to have the weight of quite a bit of tartan in the back, though, and a kilt for a 10-year-old will need at least 6 yards (more if the child is on the large side). Have a hem actually improves the swing, because it gives the back a bit more weight.

The Art of Kiltmaking has more info on making kilts for dancers.

Best,

Barb

[Arnot]

Many thanks, Barb. I'll go back and review the book. I thought I would ask the question here, though, as there might be an extra bit of advice thrown in.

I assume, then, that I should charge something approaching my going rate scaled down a bit because I will use less tartan. Does this sound logical?

[Barb T]

I actually don't scale the cost down at all. It's a similar number of pleats, and the hem is quite a lot of extra work unless you have a blind hemmer, and adding a hidden pleat is also extra work. I figure it all works out in the end.

[Arnot]

Thanks, Barb. You have been very helpful. I can now give a good quote for the job.

[Katia]

Paging @argyle24, who I believe would also be able to help with suggestions...