Marc Jacobs Mens Kilt

[Stevej180]

I know this is about 10 years old now, but I keep coming across this image of a kilt made by Marc Jacobs, which strikes me as exactly what I would like to buy, or perhaps copy and make for myself. I can't find any for sale or any references to them online, and certainly no pattern that I could buy and use. Does anyone have any knowldge of this kilt/skirt or something resembling it that is on sale at a reasonable price today? Are there any patterns available to buy for something like this?

Marc Jacobs Check kilt.jpg

[Mouse]

I don't have any knowledge of the Marc Jacobs kilt, however I have made two kilts using the X-Kilt pattern. https://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/f14 ... oad-20085/ The camouflage kilt and the purple and gold kilt, are both made using the X-Kilt pattern as a basic starting point.

purple/gold http://www.skirtcafe.org/forums/viewtop ... 42#p259742
camouflage http://www.skirtcafe.org/forums/viewtop ... 87#p259187

[Seb]

That was a nice pattern Mouse, thanks for sharing it.

The Marc Jacobs one looks like its knife pleats and with a Kilt its pretty easy, you just go the same way all around from the outer to the inner apron(Traditionalists might have a say in if the pleats go left or right when sewn in). Traditional straps and buckles, buttons or even velcro will do for closing it.
I guess one could make a tie and fasten it by a bow aswell fairly easily, but never seen a kilt with a bow tie closure... Maybe I should make one

Pleating does take a lot of time though, especially if you use a tartan that you want to match up but on the other hand you also get the lines to help keep the pleats straight so it might be a wash. Here is another online tutorial and there is also a book called The Art of Kiltmaking: Step-by-Step Instructions for Making a Traditional Scottish Kilt Paperback by Barbara Tewksbury

I like the look of box pleats, like in Mouse's example though.

[Stevej180]

Thanks Mouse, that's a great help... I'll have a go at that I think!

[robehickman]

I'll also say 'Thanks Mouse' for sharing this article, its a very interesting read.

[Mouse]

The two kilts I made were based on the pattern with various Mouse additions. The pattern and the "X Marks the Scot" site forum, are very good at showing you the basic structure of the kilt and how you make it fit to your shape with the correct number of pleats and understanding tapering the fell. (how you make a kilt fit you at the hips and your waist.)
Since I had a Stumptown kilt to hand, with features I liked, I changed the closing from velcro to snaps on the waist band. On the camouflage kilt, I also copied the way the pockets can attach to a band round the kilt, as the Stumptown kilt has for attachable pockets. With the purple and gold kilt, I made pockets to hang from my belt. The bit of the pattern I didn't get on with, probably my understanding, was the last big pleat under the apron. I made it work with my first kilt and added in more material with my second kilt.

The one tip I would give is, ironing is critical. I think I did as much ironing as sewing when making my kilts.

The proof of concept is that I go to work in the camouflage kilt which I made, and people are amazed in conversation, that I made what I am wearing. I made my two kilts during the first few months of Covid lock down, so I had plenty of time to figure things out.

This is the measuring out part of making my first kilt in April 2020. Here you can see the pleats and the fell line.


I always intended to make more kilts, but I have so far not found the time to devote to another kilt construction. I would also add that all I know about kilt making is self taught from the web, so I am no expert.