Hem a new kilt

[Drillagent]

Just recieved my new Black Watch kilt today in the mail. I bought it from Ebay for $25. My understanding is that it's 80% wool 20% poly. When I pulled it out of the package, I tried it on to make sure the waist and length were good. It's not a custom order, so I have to make due. While the waist is good, I think the length is a bit long. With the top edge at my navel, the bottom seems to go below the center of my knee. I know that some people have their opinions, but shouldn't the bottom of the kilt ride about the center of the kneecap? Should it be hemmed or should I do something else? Does anyone know a place close to C'ville VA where I can get the kilt hemmed? This is my first tartan kilt (I have an ACU pattern Sport Kilt) and it seems to be a very nice kilt. Good and heavy and feels great. I would love to wear it to the VA Ren Fair next weekend. Thanks

[McMurdo]

Perhaps you could take a pic so we can see just how low it is, it sounds like it's almost right.

[Nick the DSM]

well, traditionalists will say that it should be above the center of the knee but you can do whatever you feel like. if you wanna keep it long, go ahead.

as for hemming, taking to a seamstress or whatever they're called, would be a start. just someone with good enough experience can do it.

[Barb T]

If you want it to look like a traditional kilt, it should be at the top of your kneecap (center of the knee at the _very_ longest). When it's too long, it starts looking like a skirt.

It's a simple matter to hem a kilt. If you can't find the threads on the forum that tell you what to do, PM me, and I'll email you instructions!

[ChattanCat]

If you want it to look like a traditional kilt, it should be at the top of your kneecap (center of the knee at the _very_ longest). When it's too long, it starts looking like a skirt.

It's a simple matter to hem a kilt. If you can't find the threads on the forum that tell you what to do, PM me, and I'll email you instructions!

Simple to do a herringbone stitch, it's just the 8 yards of stitching that takes the time!

[Drillagent]

Here are photos of the new kilt. The first two are with the top edge of the kilt right at my navel. The second two are with the top edge about two to three inches above my navel. Frankly above my navel makes me feel like some old man with his pants pulled way up too high. To me the photos look like it's way too long. Thanks for the help.
[img] http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...t/IMG_0008.jpg [/img]
[img] http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...t/IMG_0010.jpg [/img]
[img] http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...t/IMG_0011.jpg [/img]
[img] http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/j...t/IMG_0007.jpg [/img]

[McMurdo]

Judging by the photos it is too long, I am going to hazard a guess that this one is 24" long, so how long are your other kilts? As far as getting someone to hem it, not sure who you could get, perhaps you could talk to a local alterations shop.

[bubba]

If you have no sewing experience it would be best to look in the phone book for a seamstress or a shop that does alterations. Dry cleaners usually have a list of seamstresses or have one on staff.

[ChattanCat]

Once the hem is complete, you will have to press the hem and repress the pleats at the bottom. The part of the hem that is turned up has the crease in the wrong direction and will tend to pucker the bottom of the pleats.

The top of the kilt should be 2" above the navel. Yes, we are all old to some...

[DTrain]

Looking at your pics, it is just a wee bit long. Either hike it up a bit and wear it slightly higher, or get it hemmed as mentioned above. You could wear it as is to the Ren Faire, the only people who would notice are a bunch of geeks on computer message boards!

Disregard the kilt police!