describe the general features of your "ideal" kilt

**dfmacliam** · 22nd September 09, 06:09 AM

Originally Posted by CommonHighrise

I'd like to jump on this bandwagon...

While ideal features, to me, vary for what role the kilt will be used in (an Apocokilt is not wedding garb, nor is an 8 yard trad something I want to take down the AT).

However, I would love to get a kilt put together using the same fabric and dye as is used on my Dickies brand blue mechanics uniforms (if you have the source, please PM). Kingussie with a narrow apron, and lots of belt loops. Come to think of it, if one could figure out how to add leg stripes tastefully, I'll take another of the same with black/red stripe for the race team.

I have seen pictures of a kilt that was solid blue with a red stripe run down each side.. It can be done.

**phenn012** · 24th September 09, 05:01 AM

Leather kilt it has to be, especially as I have a UK. Ideally a 21st centuary leather kilt, its sensational but so is the price.

**Paul** · 24th September 09, 07:07 AM

I can't wait to get a double box-plated kilt... 3 straps. I'm not sure what tartan yet but itll be one that looks reeeeally good!

**dfmacliam** · 24th September 09, 11:38 AM

Paul, those are very nice kilts. And when you select your tartan or even tweed.. You will be one well dressed young man!

**Smayniac** · 24th September 09, 07:44 PM

I missed this thread first time around, I'll chime in now. I'm working (very slowly) on my next project.

Like Alan, I appreciate environmentally friendly materials so this one is made of more of the black chevron cloth I've lucked onto so much of, used as packing material for fabric shipped to my workplace, and rescued from the dumpster there.

Like TheBlueCow and many others, I find the waistband to add undesired warmth around the middle, so, as this fabric has an odd but not unattractive selvedge, I am using the selvedge at the top and hemming the bottom. This kilt will need no added binding at the top and the layers of pleat material will still provide plenty of base to attach belt or sporran loops.

Speaking of those pleats, after some vacillation, I decided on a "traditional" knife pleat. Since my middle tends to expand and contract rather alot depending on my work and eating schedule, I like to leave myself some adjustability; the RK I was considering is not amenable to such adjustment with that center box pleat.

Like Wompet, I like straps for closure, and I will be making re-inforced fabric straps so the kilt will remain machine washable. I'm undecide on the pocket issue, I like to wear a sporran, but there are times I wish I could carry a small item or two without it.

Stay tuned to the DIY section for progress reports.

Bob

**vorpallemur** · 25th September 09, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Smayniac

I'm undecide on the pocket issue, I like to wear a sporran, but there are times I wish I could carry a small item or two without it.

Rear welt pockets are incredibly easy to add. The top of the pocket bag needs to be attached to keep the things you put in the pocket from pulling the opening open. This is normally (not just on kilts with welt pockets, but on other things like trousers) done by attaching it to the waistband. Without a waistband, you can' do that.

**Smayniac** · 25th September 09, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by vorpallemur

Rear welt pockets are incredibly easy to add. The top of the pocket bag needs to be attached to keep the things you put in the pocket from pulling the opening open. This is normally (not just on kilts with welt pockets, but on other things like trousers) done by attaching it to the waistband. Without a waistband, you can' do that.

I thought of that, also the little pocket that SportKilt hangs from the front of the waistband, same problem. I don't want cargo pockets; I may try to hide a pocket behind the apron. I saw a thread with instructions here somewhere.

Bob

**vorpallemur** · 26th September 09, 09:22 AM

Originally Posted by Smayniac

I thought of that, also the little pocket that SportKilt hangs from the front of the waistband, same problem. I don't want cargo pockets; I may try to hide a pocket behind the apron. I saw a thread with instructions here somewhere.

Bob

Waistbands aren't just for looks. They're structural. They're a way of spreading the forces wearing a lower garment (whether it's a skirt or trousers) is exposed to more of the garment, and to the wearer's body. The few lower garments that don't have one are worn with braces.

I understand not liking the bulk of a kilt waistband. My next casual kilt is going to be made with a yoke, which means the pleats won't be directly attached to the waistband in the rear.