Kilt rpair questions and suggestions

[bonnie heather]

Good advice from Father Bill.
There are many kilts that I've shortened from the top to preserve the selvedge. It's not hard, but just takes a lot of time because you need to un-stitch the lining, top band, canvas, lining, straps, buckles, etc.

It's easy to mark 1 1/2" down from the top, but before cutting, please reinforce / stay stitch the pleats, just below where you marked to cut off. Then cut.

Other factors to consider.... the strap hole has to be re-made lower, buckles and straps moved lower, belt loops lower ...and then the tartan pattern won't match.

Also, the hip stitching probably will need to be extended.

And..... because there is usually a taper from waist to hip, when shortening from the top, the new kilt waist and hip measurements become somewhat bigger. So double-check that.

When all that is done, stitch everything back together.

It usually takes about 12 - 16 hours to do this (for me).

So..... I would suggest you try the most direct and simple solution first.