An X-Kilt over spring break (aka "Project Cheapskate")

**Makeitstop** · 20th March 08, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by OFCJAX

As a member of Clan MacCheapskate, I get some fabric at Walmart. If your local store still has a fabric department, check them out. I bought 5 yds of heavy denim for a tank attempt for $10. Hancock had it for $6.99 a yd.

Checked walmart, but their fabric selection here is tiny, and the best material I could find was some off-white canvas. That and some black stuff with bright red flames that would look awesome between the pleats of a black kilt, but since I have too many black kilts as it is, and I wouldn't know what I was doing anyway, that'll have to wait.

**Makeitstop** · 24th March 08, 09:18 PM

So I got my material today. I tried several stores, and called around, but nobody had twill in a respectable weight. Since I already have a sport kilt, I don't really need another kilt that I can't wear when the wind is above 2 mph.

So my new kilt will be made out of a dark gray denim. It will probably be a pain, but it was that or canvas. And for $10.00 I got enough for 2 kilts, so I can completely butcher one and still have a second chance.

Tomorrow I will get everything set up and get the last of the supplies, and then I can get to work.

That reminds me, I was looking at a large rack of thread and I realized that I have no idea what the difference is between any of them (aside from the color, obviously). Is there any kind I should be looking for, or are they all more or less interchangeable?

**Doc** · 24th March 08, 09:32 PM

The Coats Duel Duty Plus is a good all around thread. Remember to wash the denim first, hot wash and rinse, hot dry. You want to get the most shrinkage now rather than later. Use fabric softner if the denim feels real stiff.

**Makeitstop** · 25th March 08, 01:25 PM

Well, I'll see if I can find that, but I was looking for more general information, such as "for denim, you should only use a thread made from x" or "as long as you don't use fishing line, it's all pretty much the same."

**Doc** · 25th March 08, 04:41 PM

Originally Posted by Makeitstop

Well, I'll see if I can find that, but I was looking for more general information, such as "for denim, you should only use a thread made from x" or "as long as you don't use fishing line, it's all pretty much the same."

My bad, for most of your apparel you'll want to use 100% polyester or a cotton polyester blend.

**fluter** · 26th March 08, 08:28 AM

Originally Posted by Makeitstop

...I was looking for more general information, such as "for denim, you should only use a thread made from x" or "as long as you don't use fishing line, it's all pretty much the same."

My policy is to ask the staff at the fabric store. They are also great at helping to match colors!

**Doc** · 26th March 08, 06:22 PM

Originally Posted by fluter

My policy is to ask the staff at the fabric store. They are also great at helping to match colors!

You have never been to my local fabric store.

**Steve53** · 26th March 08, 06:36 PM

I've successfully used fishing line in the past for some machine stitching, but ya know, I've yet to attempt an X-Kilt.

**The F-H.C.A.G.** · 26th March 08, 10:53 PM

I agree with the polyester or cotton polyester blends as the best choice of thread. They will usually be labeled as Double Duty, or some such moniker.

Please show us pics if you can!

Be wlel

**Makeitstop** · 3rd July 08, 01:22 PM

Project cheapskate is back on.

I didn't get a chance to finish the kilt over spring break, and I've been terribly busy since, but last night I finally bartacked the pleats. Over the weekend I will be sewing in the inner pleat folds, and doing the taper, and hopefully I'll have the rest done early next week.