Quote Originally Posted by ccga3359 View Post
I have a heavyweight SWK that is possibly 2" too long. I compensate by wearing it an inch above my naval. One thing I was pondering is can I not sew along the bottom and have a fringe of bout 1/2" like on the side of the apron? If I recall some kilts do have this fringe. Bear kilts come to mind.
BTW welcome l'esprit, hope your bf truly appreciates just how fortunate he is.
I'm sure some will take exception, but you aren't too far off there. As I said, you can cut a kilt--it used to be done some in the regiments when kilts were battle wear and not just ceremonial--but it takes a steady hand and a stout heart. And you don't fray the bottom.

The following quote is from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kilt

". . . There is a simpler and more effective method of shortening the kilt without affecting its original fit by creating a new selvage. This can be done by using a sewing machine to sew a tight zig zig stitch at the point where you wish to crop the kilt. Then you treat the stitch with an anti-fraying glue like Fray Check. Once it has dried, you cut off the material below the stitch. You will need to clean up a few loose threads, but this does create a new selvage edge that is quite strong."

If you alter the waist, you also change the fit of the kilt because you get into the fell, etc. Doing the above and cutting a very straight line--right down one thread of the weave--is not easy, but it'll save a kilt!

Personally, I'd wear the kilt 1" above the navel as God intended. Ha.

But then I am old and crotchety and set in my ways. Younger, cooler guys probably don't care for that.

Good luck.