Casual Kilt can it be done???

[TenorClef]

I've got some tartan, made from pure 13oz pure wool yarn from Bute, Scotland. The thing is there isn't enough for a proper kilt, there is 3 metres at double width. Might this be enough for what is termed a 'Casual Kilt'? I read on www.scotweb.co.uk that a casual kilt can be made from as little as 3-4 yards of fabric and that these style of kilts tend to sit lower on the waist like trousers. I'm a 34" waist and about 5ft 8" if that aids this discussion.

Quote from said site-

'the lighter garment is ideal for activities where the weight of a full traditional kilt might be tiring. You won’t get quite the same swing when dancing, but to the non-expert eye the Casual kilt can be hard to tell apart from the Traditional 8 yard version and for most occasions it can be a very acceptable alternative'.

[brewerpaul]

You have plenty of material for a kilt with 3meters double width. What you may find is less depth on pleats but that is of no real issue. I would stick with making a regular traditional kilt rise rather than go with the jeans waist kilt. If you are going to make it, make it right. You have plenty of material and can play with different styles of pleating from box pleats to pleating to stripe. When I bought some tartan this past month I could only afford 3 yards but I feel Ill have a fine kilt from that. A 6 yarder can look just as classy as an eight yarder. Best of luck with this project.

[TenorClef]

Thanks for the positive comments brewerpaul, I won't be making it myself :-) No sewing skills i'm afraid. I'd have to find a suitable tailoring establishment in the UK that could make the kilt at the right price point. Thats another bridge to cross though, first just wanted to see if it was possible.

[uncle remus]

if you can get or have a copy of "the art of kiltmaking" check pages 44-45 where it talks about how much tartan you will need. according to the book hips of 30 - 35 " needs 6 yards of tartan.

[TenorClef]

if you can get or have a copy of "the art of kiltmaking" check pages 44-45 where it talks about how much tartan you will need. according to the book hips of 30 - 35 " needs 6 yards of tartan.

Thanks for the input uncle remus, i've just had another look at the photos on the scotweb site and i wasn't sure the casual kilt was a good look in the pleats. It lacked something.

[kiltedtom]

TenorClef,

I am in no way qualified to comment about how much material you need. I have seen advertisements for kilts of 4 yards. I would think that 3 meters would be fine for a "casual" kilt. However, I did want to say that, looking at the picture of the material, it will be one very fine looking kilt when you are finished. I really like the colors. Good luck with whatever you do decide.

By the way, happy new year (slightly early, I know) to you.

Tom

[KiltedKnome]

Actually, your waist measurement is not as important as the hip measurement (unless your waist is bigger than your hips). Assuming you have fairly typically proportions, you should be able to play around with pleats and end up with a nice kilt. You can also explore where to wear the waist of your kilt. A traditional kilt is made to a high rise waist, but you can make one to rest lower and it "is still right", just different and more contemporary. What is the tartan?

[ratspike]

I made my first tartan kilt, Gordon Dress, with a shade less than 6 yards. I opted for more pleats with less depth. My second tartan kilt was Isle of Skye, right around 6 yards, with fewer pleats but with more depth. My hips are 44" so you shouldn't have any trouble getting a fine looking kilt out of your fabric.

[plaid preacher]

Hey TenorClef: you've received some good responses thus far. Just to add a little -- often the "casual kilts" have slightly wider pleats than the standard tank. The factors that contribute to the amount of material required are: your measurements (both waist and hip as KiltedKnome noted) and also the size of the set. As others have said, you are probably pretty close to having enough material for a full-blown kilt with standard pleats of 3/4" (+ or -); so look seriously at having a traditional kilt made. You options, if you end up without quite enough fabric are a casual kilt with pleats a little larger ( about 1" or a little more) or alternatively you have more than enough for a box-pleated kilt.

Good luck with your kilt, and let us know what you end up doing.

And of course ....

[TenorClef]

I just had my daughter take some quick measurements, although I wear 34" jeans I see my waist above the navel is 36" with a seat of 40" and a standard drop from navel to floor on my knees to 24". Maybe I'd need to loose a bit of weight to utilise that tartan cloth I have?

Incidentally, located a tartan maker in Greenock, Scotland who seems to think they may even be enough fabric for a kilt kilt rather than a casual kilt. My grandfather was born in Greenock too!