Question for kiltmakers here...child's kilt

[raibeart_dubh]

Are there any major procedural differences or considerations in making a child's kilt besides adding a hem and some room for growth? My stepson, age 12, just asked me to make a kilt for him in the MacLean tartan, his clan. Any advice is much appreciated!

[The F-H.C.A.G.]

Nope. You can follow the directions in "The Art of Kiltmaking", or whatever manual you swear by, and there are no differences, except that you need to be sure you make room for growth, by adding a hem and a "hidden pleat". Also, be aware that if it takes you more then 2-3 weeks to make the kilt, depending on the age of the child, he will likely have already outgrown it by the time it's done. So, aim a bit ahead of target!

Be well,

[Steve Ashton]

When I'm making Kilts for Kids I try to make as large a hem as is possible. Usually 4". In a Wool Kilt this is usually plenty of height change room and the pressed in hem in Wool steams out pretty easily. Avoid fabrics like P/V as the pressed hem is usually permanent.

I then add a hidden pleat in both the outer and inner apron edges. At least one full Sett each.

Then if the child is at an age when growth in the waist is expected to be greater than 3" in the next two years I fasten the Kilt with Velcro. I use 3" strips to give about 4-5" of "give" in the waist. If the child slows growth the Velcro can be easily removed and straps & Buckles added.

Other than that I make a Kid Kilt exactly the same as I do a Kilt for an adult.

[Barb T]

Yup! The only other thing I'd do is add at least an inch to the measurements of hip and waist when you lay out the kilt, and 2" wouldn't hurt. Then, build the kilt to those measurements, but put the buckles and straps on at his current measurements. No one will ever notice, and it will fit him longer. Once you have to take out the hidden pleat and alter the kilt, it will never really fit the way it was originally supposed to (the apron will be proportionately too big).