HIGHLAND KILTS

PETER JOHNSTON sells hand-sewn kilts of exceptional quality, made in Scotland from the finest tartans woven in Scotland with a traditional shuttle selvedge. Through expert hand crafting, we create a kilt that holds its shape and hangs superbly with a classic swing. 

Our standards are exacting and our methods labour-intensive, and produce a kilt of the highest quality. With over 40 years’ experience in the art of kilt making, our traditional kiltmakers work by hand, each kilt using around 6000 stitches and over 12 hours’ hand work, using a minimum of 8 yards of heavyweight 16oz 100% pure new worsted wool. We chalk, cut and canvass by hand and use natural heavyweight canvasses and trimmings throughout construction.  Each garment is hand finished with basting stitches to hold to the pleats until worn.

Great care and attention is paid to preparing the cloth before chalking, marking and hand-cutting the kilt to a unique client template. Tartan kilts can be finished in a number of ways – box or knife pleating, patterned to stripe or sett – all of which must be carefully considered before cutting the cloth. Pleats are hand stitched on the outside edge of each pleat, waist to hips, to ensure individual shaping. Pleating will normally be to the sett with the pattern of check running to sett, but if requested it can run to the line in the regimental manner with a line (usually white) or a dominant vertical stripe. To prevent sagging, our kiltmakers pad stitch heavy canvas by hand along the back of the kilt at the top of the pleats. 

Our bespoke kilt making service is by appointment in both the UK and USA. If you would like further information or to make an appointment to purchase, please contact us here or telephone +44 131 225 4318.