From other sources I know that in the US you can get some pretty cheap materials, - (and what you pay for fuel is enough to make me weep) - but you do need the right materials if you are going to get the right look.

I have made costumes in the past, and the effect of some garments, amongst them the kilt, is not right without some weight in the fabric and the correct stiffness or softness, the 'hand' so that it moves as it should.

Maybe use non tartans rather than the lesser fabrics?

I think I might be getting to be a bit of a cloth snob, but after all the effort in getting the pleats right, cheap still looks just that.

I have had hold of some of the real stuff, kilt lengths of real tartan woven in Scotland, for just about 60 pounds sterling each - and it is sooooo good.

I can't afford to make many kilts out of that quality, but now I look for at least some wool in the mix and a softish weave. They are out there, and worth the search.

Anne the (addicted) Pleater