First DIY Kilt

**Splash_4** · 30th July 08, 05:25 PM

Many of you might remember that I bought about 5 meters of the Maple Leaf tartan that Fraser and Kirkbright had for sale. The purpose of this purchase was to attempt to make a kilt using Barb's book. Of course the Maple Leaf is an asymmetrical tartan so a knife pleat is out of the question. So I have decided to make a box pleat kilt out of it..

With the fact that the book I have only covers the knife pleat variety, I decided to make a prototype kilt out of some fabric I got at Joanne's that has a similar sett size so I can work out the kinks.

Tonight was doing the math (yuck) and starting to uncover the secrets of the box pleat... Here is the pleats pinned in...

I do not intend to make a career of this, I would much rather pay Matt to do it for a couple of reasons, primarily is, he is the expert. But I did want to at least try my hand for kilts that I might want to kick around in and would not mind damaging...

So, what says the rabble?

**Daibhidh O'Baoighill** · 30th July 08, 05:36 PM

Very nice job with the pleats! This will be a handsome kilt. Can't wait to see more pics!

I like that tartan.....I am gonna have to get to JoAnn's!!!!

**sydnie7** · 30th July 08, 05:55 PM

Originally Posted by Splash_4

Many of you might remember that I bought about 5 meters of the Maple Leaf tartan that Fraser and Kirkbright had for sale. The purpose of this purchase was to attempt to make a kilt using Barb's book. Of course the Maple Leaf is an asymmetrical tartan so a knife pleat is out of the question. . . [snip]

I seem to recall a post here from Barb that deals with knife-pleating an asymmetrical tartan to the stripe. It can be done if that is what you really want to do. I'll try to find that thread and link it here later.

Got it: and nothing said about "requiring a hem"?
http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f...x.html?t=35846

That said, your current pattern is a lovely one!

**Splash_4** · 30th July 08, 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by sydnie7

I seem to recall a post here from Barb that deals with knife-pleating an asymmetrical tartan to the stripe. You end up with varying pleat depths, but
it can be done if that is what you really want to do. I'll try to find that thread and link it here later.

That said, your current pattern is a lovely one!

She cover it in her book as well, but it requires a hem of the fabric. I am just not going to do that to a nice 16oz wool fabric that has a really nice kilting selvage. (besides, this lets me make a kilt for myself and another box pleat for the bride! 2 fer 1 is a great thing.)