Can a Kilt Be Re-sized?

[Nighthawk]

Two inches is probably about the maximum increase with out re-construction involved, I believe. Our kiltmakers will surely chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.

You may be able to simply adjust the positioning of the strap and buckle to accomodate your size. It's simple enough. However, if that's not possible it still may be possible to have it altered by a kiltmaker, or possibly a tailor/seamstress whom you trust.

Oh and

Please post in the Newbie section and introduce yourself to The Rabble. We're always glad to have new folks in our ranks.

I have talked to Barb about this. She's told me that 2 inches is pushing it, and that the under apron starts to show. I've had the hip straps on my SWK's moved out an inch, and that has worked just fine.

[RockyR]

Chattancat is right about the "proper way" to resize the kilt. There may be extra material built in for a kiltmaker to "undo" the under apron and add a couple more pleats and re-finish the kilt.

That is the proper way to do it, but could be a LITTLE pricey if you're just looking for a quick fix.

Since the kilt was free, the choice is yours... there ARE "extension straps" that you can purchase for a kilt that fasten onto the existing strap and then go into the buckles that are on your kilt. These are generally $15 per set of 3 (retail) and are sold a several places online (we have them, we just don't have them on our site).

The OTHER alternative is to move the 2 buckles and 1 strap to re-size the kilt. That should cost you about $20 and any competant tailoring service should be able to do it for you. It takes minimum work and can be done in about 10 minutes.

Whatever way you go, report back and show us how you fixed it!

[Ayin McFye]

I agree with everyone's assessment that moving straps and buckles is by far the best and easiest way to resize a kilt. I am by no means an accomplished kilt maker. I've only made 3 and they are "decent" nothing amazing.

When I did remove the one pleat to resize a kilt it was the farthest left pleat on my left hip. We had to resew down everything that relied on that pleat to hold stuff together and it wasn't that easy. I strongly suggest you attempt to reposition the buckles and straps before you even give yourself the headache of trying this. Or you can sell the kilt, and with the money purchase a new one that fits.

Either way, whatever you end up doing, let us know how it goes.

Good luck!

[Dukeof Kircaldy]

I've gone both ways: in and out.

Out is somewhat easy as Rocky pointed out since you can buy extension straps. My personal opinion is that I wouldn't go beyond the extension straps in size.

In can be done by moving the straps.

Of course, this is best done if the modification are within the 2 in (10cm) tolerance.

Anything beyond that and I would take the kilt to a kiltmaker. The kilt should be one of the better quality kilts if you are going to do this. Kiltmakers can remake a kilt.

Also, I would recommend you buy Barb T's book The Art of Kiltmaking: http://www.celticdragonpress.com/.

[Ron of Wayne]

Thanks so much to all who responded to my question about re-sizing a kilt. I received very valuable information. Fortunatley, Chattancat apparently lives close to my location. I have written him to see if we could discuss this further. I am in Overland Park, a suburb of Kansas City.

I will post a few pictures over the week and will be sure to follow-up after a decision has been made on which method to use or try. And, I will let you all know how it works out.

Great site.

Ron

[Bugbear]

Congratulations, hope it all goes well.

[Riverkilt]

Welcome,

Unless the kilt has a sentimental value or it'd be embarrassing to the giver to sell it...kilts hold their value and you could sell it to someone who it fits then use the proceeds to have another made up to your size.

Just another option.

And I think I need me some of them extention strap dealies....

Ron

[Ron of Wayne]

The news about re-sizing the kilt I recently received is not good. Thanks very much to Chattancat, who lives within about 20 miles of me, I at least know and understand the situation.

For those who wanted to know, it turns out that I need to add about 5 inches. Little did I know that you don't wear a kilt at your waist! My waist is 35" but I need nearly 38 inches since it is not worn at my waist. My kilt must be about 33"-34" (I am not certain on exactly how to measure it). It is clear that, as several of you suggested, selling my kilt and buying another one that fits me or trading my kilt is the only way to go.

The kilt is of high quality according to Chattancat. I have looked it up and am nearly certain it is a Forbes Ancient tartan. It has a buckle at the waist and 2 buckles on the right side. So, I am going to sell it or trade after taking several pictures and either finding a a site to list it on or finding a site to offer a trade. Xmarksthescot may allow trades, etc. - I haven't had time to learn that much yet.

Again, thanks very much to all. Now that I've found you, I will be around - even without a kilt that fits me!

Ron

[ThreadBbdr]

Now that you've met Wallace, you should meet the rest of the Eastern KS/Western MO rabble!

Put the KC Highland Games on your calendar at least! We're a bit spread out for a kilt night on short notice, but hopefully we can all hook up in June at the games!

Welcome! And hopefully you can get enough from your old kilt to get a custom fitted one.

[Monkey@Arms]

So, I am going to sell it or trade after taking several pictures and either finding a a site to list it on or finding a site to offer a trade. Xmarksthescot may allow trades, etc. - I haven't had time to learn that much yet.

Again, thanks very much to all. Now that I've found you, I will be around - even without a kilt that fits me!

Ron

Xmarks has separate trade and sales forums for individual members to sell their kilts and accessories (as long as they aren't doing it as a business.)

Bes regards,

Jake