I hand sew the waistband even if I machine sew elsewhere - it is easier to remove and kinder to the fabric.

Even if the waist and hip measurement is the same, unless you are very unlucky you are still going to have a rump to shape the kilt around, and a 'bay window' in front, which can be awkward to keep a kilt waistband on and level - though a sturdy belt helps.

I found that I could reduce the size of the aprons and leave the pleats alone for some time as I shrank, and I put the extra fabric into large under apron pleats, which I found to be a very good design point to retain for subsequent kilts.


Baroness Anne the mirthful of Fritterton on the Heath