If you only hahave four yards I would go withthe box pleat.

Of course it will depend on how much territory you have to cover with it....

I have made traditional style kilts and tried to stretch four yards to cover alot of teritory. I would not recommend it unless you have a 30 inch waist maybe....

More fabric equals better feel , look, lay and swing. I have done traditonal and contemporary style kilts in tartans and plain weaves and you can bet my favorites are the ones with the most fabric. They just say KILT! all the way. Looks better, feels better, and gets the most compliments. You want a quality garment right?

You can experiment by just pinning it together before you sew to see how it will look after you have done the math of course.

The first kilt I made was out of brown craft paper. Yes, like grocery bags. It functioned as a trial and then a pattern. Easily worked and easily adjustable. I have made dozens since then and never have to cut a pattern now. It will take some time but worth every minute you spend on it.