Question for the Kiltmakers on the Forum

[Kiltdad]

Our church had Kirkin’ of the Tartan a few weeks ago and a very nice gentleman asked me about my attire. He said he had always wanted a kilt and was now ready to pull the trigger and have one made. He asked for advice, and then he asked the question of where to get one made. He had a very good understanding or the potential cost so I knew he would not be discouraged by the numbers involved. When he asked me where to get a kilt made, I suggested with certainty that any of the craftsmen represented on the XMTS board would be a great choice.

However, it made me wonder what a kilt craftsman would look for in a well made kilt? When a kiltmaker is at a highland games for example, what makes you say “that is a nice kilt” or “pity about that one”? If somebody is out there shopping around for a custom made kilt, what are the questions they should be asking?

Thanks in advance. Forgive me if this has been addressed somewhere else on the forum.

Regards,

John

[sydnie7]

One of the best things a potential kilt buyer can purchase beforehand is a copy of Barb's book The Art of Kiltmaking. Even if you never put needle to fabric yourself, knowing how they are put together will help you make the type of purchase decision you describe.

[fluter]

This:

One of the best things a potential kilt buyer can purchase beforehand is a copy of Barb's book The Art of Kiltmaking.

Furthermore, he should hie himself up to Franklin, where he can get the book from Matt and his merry crew, get measured by an expert, and order a kilt and as many goodies as his bank balance will allow.

[OC Richard]

One of the best things a potential kilt buyer can purchase beforehand is a copy of Barb's book The Art of Kiltmaking. Even if you never put needle to fabric yourself, knowing how they are put together will help you make the type of purchase decision you describe.

Hear, hear!

The Art of Kiltmaking, I think, is invaluable for any kiltwearer or kiltwatcher.

There's a wonderful section with clear photos showing all the things to look for in a well made kilt, and all the various errors that can be made in a kilt.

I've never looked at a kilt the same, since I read that book.

[bonnie heather]

Definitely look at Barb's book The Art of Kiltmaking. The pages of color photos showing Fit of a Kilt and Workmanship very clearly show what to look for in a well made kilt.
In addition, when looking at the pleats on the back of the kilt, be sure that the pleats hang straight down from the bottom of the fell and don't slant in a different direction.The inner corners of the pleats should not hang down below the bottom of the kilt. Also I think it's good to have apron facings and the deep pleat by the apron and the inverted/box pleat by the underapron not too skimpy.

[Calico]

The only problem with the book (which I got right away after finding this site) is that it teaches you the difference between good, mediocre and bad kilts and pleating.

Since you do not normally see your kilt before purchasing it, without the knowledge gained from this book you might have been quite happy with a flawed kilt when it arrived. Now you'll know better!

This is said mostly tongue-in-cheek, since I think having the knowledge is the more important aspect. But it does make you pickier.