Description
Handstitched • Knife‑Pleated • Bespoke • Made to Measure
Format: Drop‑in sessions on Sundays, 11:00 – 17:00 (with 2 x 15 minute breaks and 1 x 30 minute lunch break)
Typical duration: 8–10 sessions
Maximum class size: 6 students
Overview
Learn the heritage craft of traditional hand‑sewn kiltmaking in a relaxed, flexible Sunday drop‑in format. Under expert guidance, you will work toward creating a bespoke, made‑to‑measure knife‑pleated kilt, stitched entirely by hand using time‑honoured techniques.
Each participant selects their own 100% Scottish‑woven wool tartan from Lochcarron before the course begins. Cloth is purchased separately at cost, ensuring every kilt is personal, authentic, and rooted in Scotland’s textile tradition.
Most learners complete their kilt in 8–10 Sunday sessions, depending on pace and confidence. The focus is on accuracy, understanding, and cultural stewardship — never rushing.
What You’ll Learn
• Taking accurate body measurements for a tailored kilt
• Understanding tartan sett, symmetry, and pleating choices
• Preparing and marking 100% wool tartan for knife pleats
Core stitching techniques
• Stab stitching
• “Z” stitching for internal support
• Invisible pleat stitch for clean, stable pleat edges
Internal structure and shaping
• Drawing a shaped apron
• Building the internal canvas support
• Shaping the garment to the body through controlled tension and stitch placement
Finishing techniques
• Installing straps, buckles, lining, and finishing details
• Pressing, shaping, and presenting a heritage‑grade kilt
Class Size & Teaching Team
Each class is limited to a maximum of six students to ensure everyone receives meaningful, unhurried time with the tutor.
Your tutor is Siobhan Schulberg, who has been making kilts for 9 years and working as a professional dressmaker for over 30 years.
She is supported by Cheryl Douglas, teaching assistant — a weaver, corset maker, dressmaker, and educator.
Both are graduates of Heriot‑Watt University, bringing deep technical knowledge and heritage craft expertise to every session.
How the Drop‑In Format Works
• Attend any Sunday afternoon that suits your schedule
• Receive individual guidance at each stage of your kilt
• Progress through the full workflow at your own pace
• Build skills steadily without pressure or deadlines
• Learn in a warm, supportive, friendly environment rooted in community
This format is ideal for adults balancing work, caring responsibilities, or unpredictable schedules.
Who This Course Is For
• Adults interested in heritage craft and Highland dress
• Sewists ready to explore structured tailoring
• Re‑enactors, dancers, and heritage interpreters
• Anyone seeking to learn an endangered Scottish craft with integrity
Some previous basic sewing experience is required.
What You’ll Leave With
• A fully hand‑stitched, made‑to‑measure knife‑pleated kilt in 100% Scottish‑woven wool
• A deep understanding of the internal structure of a traditional kilt
• Confidence in heritage stitching techniques rarely taught today
• Skills that can be developed toward professional practice
Cost
£75 per week (just £15 per hour). This is an introductory price for the first course only.
Please note all classes require three students to be booked on to the class a week in advance for the class to run. If there are not enough students in each class, we will endeavour to rearrange to a suitable time. This is to make sure we cover our tutor’s costs, which are paid fairly at Scottish Artists Union rates.
