For over 20 years, Master Kiltmaker Nikki Laird has taught students from around the world the art of traditional Scottish kiltmaking. Now, for the first time, that experience is available in a comprehensive online course that allows you to learn wherever you are.
Whether you're an absolute beginner or an experienced sewer looking to master authentic kiltmaking techniques, this course will guide you through every stage of creating a traditional hand-stitched kilt using the same methods practised by professional kiltmakers for generations.
With detailed tuition, expert support and lifetime access to the lessons, you can learn entirely at your own pace while building a kilt to be proud of.
What You'll Learn
Throughout the course you'll be guided step-by-step through every stage of traditional kiltmaking, including:
- Taking accurate measurements
- Calculating and planning the kilt
- Marking out and pleating tartan
- Hand stitching using traditional techniques
- Inserting the canvas and internal structure
- Shaping and finishing the waistband
- Attaching straps, buckles and leatherwork
- Pressing and finishing your completed kilt
Every technique is demonstrated in detail, with close-up video instruction so you can follow along confidently.
Your Student Dashboard Includes
Once enrolled you'll receive access to your own online student dashboard featuring:
- Comprehensive, step-by-step HD video lessons
- Lifetime access so you can learn at your own pace
- A supportive online student community where you can share progress and ask questions
- Direct guidance from Master Kiltmaker Nikki Laird at key stages of your kilt
- Downloadable resources and reference material
Included Free Bonuses
As part of your course you'll also receive:
- How to Make Traditional Kilt Flashes
- How to Make a Fly Plaid
Your Course Pack
We'll also post you a practical course pack containing:
Comprehensive Kiltmaking Workbook
A beautifully illustrated workbook that accompanies every lesson, including:
- Step-by-step photographs
- Technical illustrations
- Measurement charts
- Planning worksheets
- Helpful reference guides
Practice Tartan Pack
Before working on your own kilt you'll receive:
- Five strips of tartan (25cm × 2m)
- Practice pieces covering the main tartan repeat styles
- Plenty of opportunity to perfect your pleating and stitching before beginning your full kilt
Practice Stitches Pack
Before you begin sewing your first kilt, you'll learn and master each of the traditional hand stitches used throughout the course. To make them easy to see and understand, you'll practise on black cotton using white thread.
When you enrol on our Online Kiltmaking Course, we'll send you a Practice Stitches Pack containing the black cotton fabric and white thread, so you can build your confidence and perfect each stitch before moving on to your kilt. It's the ideal way to develop the skills and accuracy needed for traditional hand kiltmaking.
Complete Kiltmaking Packages
To get the most from the course, we recommend purchasing one of our Complete Kiltmaking Packages.
Each package contains everything you'll need to make a traditional hand-sewn kilt, including:
- Kilt length of tartan
- Hair canvas
- Cotton lining
- Straps and buckles
- Interfacing
- Threads
- All other essential materials
We've created kiltmaking packages to suit each of our tartan cloth ranges, making it easy to choose the right materials for your project.
Browse our Kiltmaking Packages →
Learn with Confidence
This isn't simply a collection of videos—it's the closest experience to attending one of Nikki Laird's renowned in-person kiltmaking classes.
You'll have expert tuition, structured lessons, practical materials, and ongoing support throughout your kiltmaking journey, allowing you to learn one of Scotland's finest traditional crafts wherever you are in the world.
