Question for the kilt makers out there!

[Paul Henry]

I would strongly suggest, as others have, that you get some good quality cloth and follow a tutorial, there are several good ones, on how to make a kilt, whether traditional or contemporary.Working with cheap fabrics won't give you the experience that you need, certainly you will be able to produce very satisfactory garments, but unless you know how to handle heavyweight tartan or tweed you are not experiencing the whole picture. Of course the materials are expensive , but it really is a good idea to save up and get some to work with, start with Marton Mills tartans and tweeds, they are reasonable in cost and good quality, and they are happy to deal with small orders as well as dealing with the public.

[Off kilt-er dude]

Thank you all! I do intend to make kilts with real tartans and do it the right way I am just interested in making the newer styles as well.

[dea3369]

There is also the fact that using quality materials are easier to work with than bargan basement stuff. I know, I know. I didn't believe this either until I had a good length of high quality wool to work with. But it is true.

This is the same as the advice I got from Barb T. The other thing she wrote me was that heavier weight wool keeps its creases better than lighter weights. After wearing my 16-oz wool kilt, I found that it wasn't as hot, uncomfortable as I thought it would be. So, I picked up some of Barb's "extra" 16-oz fabric for my first foray into the art of kiltmaking. (But I'm still trying to get over the thought of simply ripping the material in two, instead of using shears to make the lengthwise cut. )

[dea3369]

As Emily Letella would say, "Never mind."

[Off kilt-er dude]

Thanks again Dennis I didnt have that version of the x-kilt pattern and that extra detail is something I need to see as a visual learner to understand the basics better than I do! And thank you too PaulHenry