DIY Kilt #3: MacPherson Red

**sirdaniel1975** · 11th July 08, 07:50 PM

I've already cut the 3 yards in half and mended it to make 6 yards...

Here I'm cutting off the excess to make a 22.5" drop.

Here I'm finished doing the removal of excess.

**sirdaniel1975** · 11th July 08, 07:58 PM

Time to work on the apron...

Laying it out on the table...

I've marked out the apron with exacting measurements. Notice the "Art of Kilt Making" book, And some other tools I used.

And the basted apron. Because of where I centered the tartan and all, there was some extra excess on the aprons edge that I removed.

I also marked the other apron in a way so that I will have to remove the same amount of material on the other side. I've done this to keep everything symmetrical as I construct. I didn't want the center of the kilt to end up slightly off either.

**sirdaniel1975** · 11th July 08, 08:07 PM

Setting the pleats!

Through the help of "The Art of Kilt Making" I've really changed a lot of what I did in my last 4 kilts I made (2 for me and 2 for the Smith's). The forming and the math involved, let's just say I'm being a wee bit more precise.

I know that the total inches in the back (where the pleats are) should equal 18" for me. Luckily the number of red stripes outlined by black & white stripes in the back equate 18. So from pleat to pleat should be 1".

Here I go:

Look... 18 pleats!

The last three posts are one nights work for me. About 4 hours worth.

To Be Continued.....

**sirdaniel1975** · 13th July 08, 08:32 PM

Well I've had to work this weekend so my kilt work has been around that..

The next two posts will show off my progress on the basting!

1 full row of pins left and a few pleats with pins left. I had to make an adjustment. I had all the pleats basted and tried it on. I felt it was too small so I had enough material to make to more pleats and still have enough for the inner apron. So that's what I did.

Everything is basted!!

**sirdaniel1975** · 13th July 08, 08:34 PM

PREVIEW of what the KILT will look like when finished!

Front View

Rear view!

**sirdaniel1975** · 27th July 08, 09:45 AM

Continuation....

First off, I'd like to say thanks for the nice comments and suggestions. I know there are others who have made their own kilt out of wool instead of something like a poly blend, for those who have not use wool yet, DO IT! It is much easier to work with, it works with you much more than other fabrics.

Middle canvas section

Outer aprons canvas section

Inner aprons canvas section

Finished attaching canvas

**sirdaniel1975** · 27th July 08, 09:52 AM

Well I didn't make the metal buckles, they were purchased from Joann's. I did however make the leather parts from a bag of Tandy Leather I purchased from Michael's. There was a lot of leather in that bag, and some of which will be featured in more DIY threads from myself. hint, hint... SPORRANS! The bag was about $7 - $8.. I don't exactly remember.

The raw parts, notice the pile of leather.

I cut out the part for the buckles. I actually prefer using leather instead of material to fasten the buckles.

Preview of the buckles

**sirdaniel1975** · 27th July 08, 09:54 AM

Each one of those tools pictured will punch holes through leather.

One buckle is finished.

Everything is prepped.

**sirdaniel1975** · 27th July 08, 09:58 AM

Lining preview...

One section of the lining. I really like green lining, it reminds me of the 20th century regimental kilts. I also attach the lining and the canvas in three sections. I find it easier to apply those pieces in that fashion. I feel it prevents some snugging issues,... my personal opinion and experience.