Kiltmaking Courses at Làmhan: Learn Traditional Scottish Kiltmaking with Master Kiltmaker Siobhan Schulberg
Discover the craft of authentic Scottish kiltmaking with Làmhan, Scotland’s dedicated centre for traditional textile skills. Our kiltmaking courses are taught by Siobhan Schulberg, Làmhan’s Headteacher and a highly respected master kiltmaker known for her precision, expertise, and commitment to preserving Scotland’s kiltmaking heritage. Under her guidance, students learn the full process of creating a hand‑stitched kilt using time‑honoured techniques and high‑quality materials.
Whether you’re new to sewing, passionate about Scottish culture, or looking to develop specialist textile skills, Làmhan offers an immersive and supportive learning environment. Our courses cover every stage of kilt construction—from understanding tartan and pleating styles to producing a beautifully fitted, heirloom‑quality kilt. As one of Scotland’s trusted destinations for kiltmaking courses, traditional craft training, and hands‑on textile workshops, Làmhan provides the ideal place to build confidence and craftsmanship.
Guided by Siobhan’s deep knowledge and dedication to the craft, you’ll gain the skills needed to create kilts that honour Scotland’s rich cultural tradition.
What you will learn
At Làmhan, we believe that kiltmaking should never be rushed. Mastering this traditional Scottish heritage craft takes time, patience and space to practice – so our courses are taught through weekly sessions, held on Sunday afternoons to fit in comfortably around busy, modern schedules and commitments. This relaxed, steady pace allows you to build real skill and confidence, slowly.
During your course you will learn:
- The foundations of traditional Scottish kiltmaking – including the history, structure and cultural significance of the hand-stitched kilt;
- How to work with tartan – understanding sett, pattern placement and how t align cloth for accuracy and visual balance;
- Pleating techniques – from pleating to the sett to pleating to the stripe. with guidance on achieving crisp, consistent pleats;
- Hand-stitching methods – essential stitches, tools and techniques used by professional kiltmakers to create durable, heirloom-quality kilts;
- Shaping and fitting – how to tailor a kilt to the wearer’s exact measurements for comfort and movement;
- Finishing details – including waistbands, linings, straps, buckles, and pressing for a polished final result; and
- Craftspersonship habits – how to work methodically, maintain accuracy and develop the calm, focused approach that traditional kiltmaking requires.
The course structure
Our courses are designed to support steady, meaningful learning, giving you the time and space needed to develop real craftspersonship. We teach through weekly sessions, held on Sunday afternoons, making it easy to fit lessons around work, family life and a busy schedule.
How the course works
Weekly Sunday sessions: Each class builds on the last, allowing you to learn at a relaxed pace without the pressure of an intensive block course.
Flexible start dates: We have scheduled 12 ongoing sessions, and students are welcome to join at any time. You will simply continue attending until you have completed your required sessions.
Minimum of ten sessions: To ensure every student gains a solid foundation in traditional kiltmaking, all learners should complete ten sessions with us.
Pay weekly or purchase a discounted block: You can choose to pay per session, or opt to purchase a block of ten classes at a discounted rate; ideal if you already know you want to commit to the full learning journey.
Summer break: We will be taking a summer break from the end of July into August, giving everyone a well-earned rest before classes resume towards the end of August.
Who the course is for
Prior sewing experience
You only need some basic sewing experience to get going with kilt making. By basic we mean you should know how to thread a needle, how to do running stitch and back stitch. We’ll teach you everything else. And if you’re a bit rusty, don’t worry; we’ll have you caught up in no time!
Left-handed learners
We’re not going to lie, kilt making was definitely designed with right-handed learners and makers in mind! Jo, our founder, is left-handed and has struggled for years with the pleat stitch. However, she’s overcome it and she can show you how to master it quickly too with a few workarounds to make it achievable so you don’t go through the stress that she did.
