Kylhullu,

When I was talking about altering a traditionally made kilt, I am afraid that to keep the waist about the same but reduce the hip size would, more than likely, be a complete re-build.

The Fell must be un-stitched. The pleats must be individually narrowed or pleats must be removed. Finally the Fell must be completely re-tapered from the new hips measurement to the original waist measurement.

It would take as long in man-hours to accomplish this job as it would to make a new kilt due to having to first disassemble everything and then re-stitch it all back again.

Technically not a difficult job. Any kiltmaker would be able to do it. The problem is that many kiltmakers do not accept re-build jobs. 20-40 man-hours of labor means you have just spent the same for the labor as if you purchased a new kilt. Most customers can't, or won't, shell out that amount of money on a kilt they got off ebay for $50.00.

And we always find surprises inside someone else's kilts. But when the kiltmakers here document these re-builds, and post photos, it is always educational.