Handmade Kilts

Where tradition matters.

Book your free consultation now.

All orders placed via live video or in person consultation.

The Traditional and Historic Art of Kilt-Making

As a premier-level competitive Highland Dancer, I have the privilege of inspecting hundreds of kilts at each event. I know how the kilt should swing and what the shape of the apron should be for the dance ideal. Seeing our heritage in motion stirs pride in my heart and that is something I can't help but share. Wearing tartan and kilts is like waving the flag of our heritage and traditions.

Traditional kilt-making is an art that has been around for centuries. Each kilt maker has their own tricks of the trade and each kilt maker will tell you their way is the best. I am new enough to the trade that I am still absorbing the methods and tricks I see from others, and am enjoying the process!

I specialize in hemming and pressing kilts and Aboynes. Although that sounds like a small thing, a bad pressing job will ruin the swing of the kilt and is noticeable to the audience and judges when the dancer is on stage.

All of my dance kilts are ScotDance USA dress-code compliant.

Highland Dance Kilts

ScotDanceUSA Dress Code Compliant - available from Youth to Adult Sizes

Aboyne

ScotDanceUSA Dress Code Compliant Aboyne Costumes - available from Youth to Adult Sizes

Sailor's Hornpipe

ScotDanceUSA Dress Code Compliant Sailor's Hornpipe Costumes - Available from Youth to Adult Sizes

Pipe-band Kilts

Available from Youth to Adult Sizes

All kilts are custom made. Pipe band kilts will be made according to your band's specifications.

Book your free consultation now.

WHAT IS A KILT?

Known to the Gaelic-speaking Scotts as the “little wrap” (feileadh beag), the modern small kilt evolved from the (feileadh mor) “big wrap," great wrap, or belted plaid.

The feileadh mor emerged in the late quarter of the 15th century and served as a versatile piece of clothing. Made from a large rectangular piece of fabric, the feileadh mor was pleated on the ground with the wearer laying down on top of it. The wearer would then slide a belt underneath, wrap the sides of the fabric around the body, and fasten the belt. The tartan fabric was woven with natural wool and soaked in goose fat to further repel water. The Scots used the Great Kilt as a napsack, blanket, coat, raincoat and much more through the mountainous, rainy terrain of the Scottish Highlands.

The feileadh beag has pleats that are sewn down and is fastened around the body using 2-3 belts and buckles. The feileadh beag is made from 4-8 yards of tartan.

TARTAN

The loss of the battle of Culloden in April 1746 set in motion the dismantling of the highland clan system and, in many ways, Scottish identity. The British Government attempted to eliminate any reminders of Scottish identity and the clan system by passing the Proscription Act on August 1, 1746. This act was an extension of the Dress Act which banned the carrying of swords, dirks, targes, and the possession of or the wearing of kilts or any kind of tartan. The penalties for violation of the Proscription Act included imprisonment without bail and export to the American colonies. This act remained in place until Queen Victoria repealed it on July 1, 1782. For 36 years, the Scottish people were forbidden from celebrating their culture. The highland clan system never recovered but the popularity of tartan grew and the Clan Tartan ideal that we know today was born.

Each tartan is specifically and painstakingly woven wool and is designed to represent the Scottish clans through colors, patterns, and textures. Most clan tartans are formally registered.

While the words tartan and plaid may be interchangeable in the U.S., in Scotland, a plaid is a large piece of tartan cloth worn over the shoulder.