Paula Duncan Bespoke Kilt Making

26/05/2026

Favourite tool ever! Decided to invest in a wee stock for my students from ❤️ once you own one for kilt making … you’ll never go back ! 🥰

21/04/2026

I just had to share this wee video ❤️ 2 years ago I made this for my dear friend ❤️ Energy sharing is so beautiful with hand made gifts 🎁 Made out of my favourite fabrics to date, made with love and every time Leona wears it she is reminded of our friendship ❤️ 😝 Handmade is the way to go … cherished items ☺️

20/04/2026

Some jobs stay with you long after the last stitch is sewn.
This kilt has been an absolute delight to alter. It once belonged to the late Jim McColl, the familiar face of The Beechgrove Garden. His daughter, Jenni, got in touch wanting to make the kilt “hers” while keeping the essence of her father alive within it.
We have carefully kept the kilt true to itself, while tailoring it to fit Jenni’s shape beautifully. A new waistband, buckles, straps, fringe configuration, and fresh lining — with a special nod to Jim himself .
This kilt now has a new lease of life, ready to continue making memories for the family for years to come.
What a beautiful reminder that kilts are never just garments… they carry stories, love, and legacy. ✨

09/04/2026

I’m missing the pink kilt fusion already !

My lovely customer is going to send pics of her wearing it soon !

So I grabbed some fabric and wrapped it around Betsy 🤭😂

It doesn’t quite have the same impact, but I love it!

I might do a weekend fun course in the future making these. Who would be interested?

This is not my traditional bespoke kilt making , it’s a fun take on a great kilt. All machined and so much fun to make.

Comment if you like the idea of making one ❤️

03/04/2026

Have you ever wanted to make a kilt?

Maybe for yourself, or for someone special?

I have a few spaces available in my weekly classes at The Kilt Loft in Lhanbryde ✨

Bespoke kilt making is becoming more rare than ever, as fast fashion continues to take over. This is your chance to learn a true heritage skill — the kind that’s at risk of being lost.

Come and join my supportive community of learners, from complete beginners to those refining their craft, all learning together in a dedicated space. ❤️

https://www.pauladuncankilts.com/

Feel free to send a message or book call via my website ✨

01/04/2026

A conversation whilst getting my helix pierced, sparked this tartan creation , made in the Curaidh tartan 💖 My customer Heather, who is a breast cancer warrior, wanted this tartan because of its connection. Heather sent me a pic of a Great Kilt worn by one of our Scottish guys, and the idea for this fusion was created. 💖

31/03/2026

✨Crafting Excellence✨
Passing On True Kilt Making

In the guts of Scotland, a kilt is never just a garment. It carries pride, identity, and generations of skilled hands.

For years, kilt making has been quietly passed down—through practice, patience, and respect for the craft. Today, I not only make bespoke kilts by hand, but I teach others to do the same, ensuring this true heritage continues properly.

Becoming a great kilt maker isn’t just about learning techniques. It’s about understanding what sits behind every stitch—the balance, the structure, the history, and the responsibility of getting it right.

A well-made kilt doesn’t just look good, it holds its shape, it moves properly, and it lasts.
That’s the difference.

When I teach, I go far beyond the basics. I show you the things that aren’t always spoken about—the finer details that make a bespoke tailored kilt stand apart from a shop-made one. The hidden structure, the control in the stitching, the way the cloth is handled and respected.

These are the things that change everything.

Learning this craft properly isn’t just about making a kilt. It’s about becoming part of a living tradition, one that deserves care and attention, not shortcuts.

Those who commit to learning it well often tell me the same thing—it changes how they see the kilt completely. The level of skill, the thought behind every stage… it’s something you don’t fully understand until you’re shown properly.

For me, this work isn’t about volume or fast production. It’s about doing it right, and passing that standard on.

If you feel drawn to this craft, and you’re ready to learn it with the respect it deserves, then you’re in the right place.

Because once you see what proper kilt making really is… there’s no going back.

https://www.pauladuncankilts.com/

16/03/2026

I’m so privileged to be making this combo in the Breast Cancer tartan , for my piercer 💖 A chat on the chair with a needle in my helix ending up with me creating her vision 💖 🤭 Meant to meet 💖

12/03/2026

I totally support this. Please read and contact Marion for the link to support our craft of tailored kilts ❤️

In 2024, the UK joined many countries in supporting the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The Convention looks at Intangible Cultural Heritage, otherwise known as Living Heritage, which is cultural heritage that is living and practised. Examples of living heritage in the UK include bell ringing, pantomime, Highland games and dry-stone walling, to name but a few. As part of this, the UK is setting up inventories of living heritage in the UK across each of the devolved nations.

The College’s wonderful founder and bespoke kilt tailor, Marion Foster MBE, founded The College of Master Kilt Tailors with the express aim of providing the highest quality tuition, and preserving the accumulated experience, nuances, skills, and craftsmanship associated with the very highest quality tailored kilts. This being the case, she has now submitted an Expression of Interest to have bespoke kilt tailoring included in the UK Living Heritage inventory.

Her description of the distinct nature is very compelling, as set out in the Expression of Interest:

*****

Bespoke kilt tailoring: Master Craftsmenship upholding the highest standards in the craft.

Distinct to the skillset of the kilt created for the Highland wear mass produced market.

The practice of bespoke tailoring is a highly specialised craft that integrates a blend of technical skills, a strong theoretical understanding, with the artist’s eye.

The "theory" dictates why a certain approach is necessary for a specific body type or desired outcome, while the "technical" skill is the how—the ex*****on of that approach by hand with mastery, resulting in a kilt that serves as an extension of the wearer's identity with longevity.

*****

She is now busy gathering what is known as ‘Community Consent’ in support of her submission.

If anyone outside the College’s student body wishes to provide their support, please leave a message here, so that we can contact you and provide you with the necessary link.

We are so keen to have kilt tailoring included on this important UNESCO inventory!