My Black Stewart

**Erisianmonkey** · 28th February 07, 06:33 AM

Nice! Isn't it such a great feeling to wear a kilt and know that you made it yourself? Especially when someone on the street compliments you on it? I love that feeling.

**Woodsheal** · 28th February 07, 06:48 AM

Well done! I like the idea of the full-length lining....

**JimB** · 28th February 07, 07:28 AM

I appreciate all the comments

I have put linings in the last three kilts that I made. It just makes things a lot more comfortable and they are not hard to put in at all.
I take remnant satin from the fabric store, hem it on three sides and just sew the remaining side into the waistband. That is the only place that it is attached to the kilt and it works fine that way. It might be a solution for those that are allergic to wool unless you just can't get anywhere near the stuff.

And yes, it is satisfying to get comments on a kilt that you have made yourself

This was a pretty standard kilt as far as putting it together goes, but I did have a bit of a time trying to figure out how to do it to the sett. I wanted to try that anyway, but I think this tartan kind of forced my hand because I really couldn't find a way to pleat it to the stripe and have it look good.
Anyway...I hope this encourages others to try it. Thanks!

**BLAZN** · 28th February 07, 09:17 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

Well done! I like the idea of the full-length lining....

I was thinking the same thing. I usually only do a 12" wide lining.

**mang1974** · 28th February 07, 09:21 AM

That's a great looking kilt! Good job! Regarding the lining, I think that the full length would be a great for someone that is allergic to wool. There is nothing like the sway of a wool kilt (nothing against those made out of other materials, just my personal opinion).

**Panache** · 28th February 07, 09:36 AM

JimB,

That's a great looking kilt and well put together outfit. Let's see, you made the kilt, converted the jacket, made the dress sporran, and I'm assuming the flashes as well. Next up you have to learn to knit so you can make your own hose! Seriously though it's a really amazing DIY ensemble.

Good Show.

Panache

**ccga3359** · 28th February 07, 03:30 PM

Very nice indeed, I do like the Black Stewart. Why the velcro though, why not buckles (perhaps I'm still nervous of gravity kicking in)?

**JimB** · 28th February 07, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by ccga3359

Very nice indeed, I do like the Black Stewart. Why the velcro though, why not buckles (perhaps I'm still nervous of gravity kicking in)?

Well, I thought about using buckles when I first started kiltmaking, but quite honestly velcro was easier. It holds just as well as buckles and that's only with 3 inches on either end of the apron. Some here are of the opinion that you need more, but that's a personal choice I guess. I've never had a kilt sag or give me any other problem.
Now of course you must understand that I use a kilt belt which adds to the security on it's own account.
I don't miss the buckles and I doubt anyone could tell the difference. I have one kilt with buckles and they are hidden by the kilt belt anyway.
So... there you have it. Cheaper, easier, holds just as well, and who's going to know the difference?

**way2fractious** · 28th February 07, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by JimB

Well, I thought about using buckles when I first started kiltmaking, but quite honestly velcro was easier. It holds just as well as buckles and that's only with 3 inches on either end of the apron. Some here are of the opinion that you need more, but that's a personal choice I guess. I've never had a kilt sag or give me any other problem.
Now of course you must understand that I use a kilt belt which adds to the security on it's own account.
I don't miss the buckles and I doubt anyone could tell the difference. I have one kilt with buckles and they are hidden by the kilt belt anyway.
So... there you have it. Cheaper, easier, holds just as well, and who's going to know the difference?

If you don't mind a "second" on your motion...

With my early camo kilts, I used small strips (2-3 inches) of hook-and-loop to hold apron edges in place in order to fasten the integrated webbing belt. After that happened, the aprons never sagged out of place. I have used hook-and-loop only on cotton and cotton/poly kilts.

With my wool kilts, I have most often used buckles form Tandy Leather. They are larger (especially, longer) than standard kilt buckles, but they're cheap (and I'm cheap.)

My last kilt has a personality like a military kilt of decades past; it has no buttonhole and no buckle at all on the underapron. It has only one buckle (Tandy) on the apron, which I am seriously considering taking off because the wide belt drives it uncomfortably into my side. Maybe the lower profile standard kilt buckle would be more comfortable. However, this kilt made its public debut with no buckles and naught but the belt to hold it in place - and no problem of any kind was experienced.

To summarize, I guess each kilt has its own personality, and the choice of fasteners, if any, is up to the wearer.