Thickness leather?

[Emmet]

I want to have a go at making a leather kilt. What thickness leather should I use? and type?

thanks

[Canuck]

There are a number of things to consider;
Will you be hand stitching or machine stitching? If by machine, what is the thickest material can you currently sew with it? Factor in the number of pleats and waistband....have a good supply of needles on hand
What style of kilt? traditional, utility, Roman. Depending on the style will determine the end weight of the kilt, which shall determine what weight of leather and how much you will be required to use. As for the kind, the sky's the limit, ostrich, moose, lamb, cow, bear, in the end it's up to you and what you're comfortable with working.
Good luck

[Emmet]

I have an industrial machine with teflon feet available so sewing the leather shouldn't be too much of an issue. I was thinking of going for a 6yard knife pleat semi traditional.

[Canuck]

I have an industrial machine with teflon feet available so sewing the leather shouldn't be too much of an issue. I was thinking of going for a 6yard knife pleat semi traditional.

If it's not a walking foot machine, light weight leather will be your best bet 1-1.5 oz. even with a teflon foot you will run into some challenges with the waistband and the layers of the pleats. For kilts I have found this to be on the light side, wrinkles easy, and doesn't give a good swish.

[Emmet]

And one more question, In your opinion regardless of sewing machine and technique what weight leather do you feel makes into the nicest kilt?

[Canuck]

And one more question, In your opinion regardless of sewing machine and technique what weight leather do you feel makes into the nicest kilt?

I find 2-2.25 oz gives me the best results. (I'm one of the best leather kiltmakers in the world, so I speak from experience)
Good luck with your project
Cheers
Robert

[Mikewood]

Having never made a leather kilt I can't say exactly.
But 5oz leather can be used for "working" chaps.
2-3 oz for chaps and upholstery
Garment leather is 1.5-2 oz.
You might look at lamb and pig skin as alternatives to cow.

[Emmet]

You might look at lamb and pig skin as alternatives to cow.

How about http://www.walterreginald.com/products.php?cat=12

see the printed pigskin section

[Steve Ashton]

Emmet, I fixed your link for you.

[tombanwell]

I have never sewn a kilt, but I've worked in leather quite a bit. I would recommend a lambskin garment weight leather, as it would be lightweight and comfortable. When wet it can be folded and when dry it will stay that way.

Best, Tom