how to sew the Waist Band

[Barb T]

I'm not sure what you mean by thicker or thinner. Do you mean wider? The top band on a trad kilt is just wide enough to enclose the raw edge at the top of the kilt - about 1/2". Just stitch a strip on, right sides together, about half an inch below the top edge of the kilt. Be sure to match the stripes in the apron - the rest won't match. Stretch a little across the top of the pleats so that the kilt is a bit wider at the top of the rise so that it will fit comfortably. Once stitched, fold the strip up and over the top edge of the kilt, and tack it down on the inside. Don't fold the raw edge of the strip over, or it will be too bulky. Cover the raw edge with the top of the lining on the inside of the kilt.

If you want specific instructions with diagrams, you can buy The Art of Kiltmaking, which shows the whole process of top band and lining.