Kilt flashes are a traditional part of the Scottish kilt ensemble. They are worn around the top of the tall kilt socks, called hose, acting as a garter to keep the socks from falling down the leg. Kilt flashes come in a variety of colors and designs, from plain ribbon to matching tartan patterns. While you can purchase ready-made kilt flashes, it is often less expensive to make your own. You don’t need to know how to sew in order to make kilt flashes. With a few materials, you can have several pairs ready to wear in under an hour.

Separate the Velcro ribbons into the hook side and fuzzy side.

Wrap the fuzzy part of the Velcro ribbon, fuzzy side out, around the thickest part of the calf of the leg.

Mark the fuzzy side of the Velcro ribbon where there is a 2-inch overlap.

Cut the fuzzy side of the Velcro ribbon on the mark.

Mark the lengthwise center of the fuzzy strip of Velcro.

Cut a 14-inch piece of grosgrain ribbon.

Mark an inverted “V” pattern on both ends of the ribbon with a straight edge and pencil.

Cut out the inverted “V” notches on the ribbon.

Wrap the ribbon around the lengthwise midpoint of the fuzzy Velcro until the outside notch (on the fuzzy side of the Velcro) is slightly above the inside notch.

Secure the ribbon to both sides of the fuzzy Velcro strip using a drop of hot glue.

Cut a 2-inch section of the hook side of the Velcro ribbon.

Lay the fuzzy Velcro strip on a flat surface with the fuzz facing up.

Attach half of the 2-inch piece of hooked Velcro to one end of the fuzzy Velcro strip.

Wrap the long trip of Velcro over the kilt socks around the thickest area of the calf with the ribbon on the outside of the leg.

Attach both ends of the fuzzy Velcro strip using the 2-inch piece of hooked Velcro.

Fold the top of the kilt sock over the Velcro strip, leaving the bottom part of the ribbon exposed.

Repeat the process to create the second kilt flash.