Scottish Kilt
  • Home
  • Categories
  • Fashion & Trends
  • Shop
  • Kilt Contest
  • Reviews
10K Likes
4K Followers
2K Followers
Scottish Blog
Subscribe
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Men & Kilts
    • Women & Tartan Skirts
    • Kilt Accessories
    • Promotions
    • News Updates
  • Fashion & Trends
  • Shop
    • Kilts For Men
    • Kilts & Skirts For Women
    • Kilts For Kids
    • Kilt Accessories
    • Tartan Accessories
    • Kilt Jackets
    • Kilt Outfits
  • Kilt Contest
    • Win A Free Kilt
    • Win A $100 Coupon
    • Contest Winner
  • Reviews
    • Company Reviews
    • Products Reviews
    • Questions
    • Insights
tartan patterns
  • Fashion and Trends
  • Kilt
  • News Updates
  • Style

Tartan Pattern – Why are There Different Shades of Tartan?

  • January 13, 2017
  • Alen Kesler
Total
63
Shares
61
0
2

Scottish Tartans Patterns

Tartan design acquired a national significance not only in Scotland but universally, it’s made up of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands or threads of colors whose variations are symbolic of the various different clans that have historically made up for the Scottish people. The colors and the specific pattern of the bands are usually associated with a particular Scottish clan or family, and the scottish tartans is an important part of Scottish culture and history.
Tartan patterns are often made from wool, and they are typically associated with Scottish garments such as traditional kilt. However, tartan patterns can also be found on a variety of other items, including blankets, scarves, trews, fly plaids, skirts, and even handbags.

Modern Tartan Plaid
Clergy Tartan
Robertson Tartan
Grant Tartan
Tara Murphy Tartan Kilt
Tara Murphy Tartan
Tartan Plaid skirt
Mini Tartan Plaid
Black Watch Tartan
Black Watch Tartan
Murray Tartan
Murray Tartan
Sinclair tartan
Sinclair Tartan
weir clan tartan
Weir Tartan
Previous
Next

History Of the Tartan

The history of tartan patterns can be traced back to the ancient Celts, who lived in what is now Scotland, Ireland, and parts of Northern Europe. The Celts were skilled weavers and used wool to create a variety of garments and textiles. The first tartan patterns were likely created by the Celts as a way to distinguish different clans and families.
Over time, tartan patterns became associated with the Scottish Highlands and the clans that lived there. Each clan had its own unique tartan pattern, which was used to make garments and other items. The tartan pattern became a symbol of pride and identity for the clans, and it continues to be an important part of Scottish culture today.

History Of Tartan
Wikimedia Commons

In the 18th and 19th centuries, tartan patterns became popular outside of Scotland as well. During this time, the British military used tartan patterns as a way to distinguish different regiments, and the patterns became fashionable among the British aristocracy. Today, tartan patterns can be found all over the world and are used in a variety of design applications, including fashion, home decor, and even corporate branding.
Despite its popularity, the tartan pattern is still an important part of Scottish culture and history. The Scottish Register of Tartan, which was established in 2009, is a database of over 8,500 registered tartan patterns. The database includes information about the history and meaning of each tartan pattern, and it is used to protect the intellectual property of the clans and families that own the rights to particular patterns.

When I talked to people that are unfamiliar with the colour variations available for a given pattern someone told that; ‘The Scottish Tartan Patterns is split into Five types which are, the “ancient“, “modern”, “dress“, “muted”, “hunting“, “weathered”  when actually they’re all one and therefore the same tartan!

MODERN, ANCIENT, HUNTING, WEATHERED, MUTED..
WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE

ANCIENT TARTAN

In Ancient Tartan it’s lighter and softer shades that are more easily seen like greens and blues are smooth & red appears more orange.

MODERN TARTAN

Modern Tartan are darker, bolder and more during a vivid shade. Ancient and Modern designs tend to share an equivalent sett but the reds are bolder, blues appear navy, and greens are greener.

Dress Tartan

Dress tartans are based on the earasaid tartans worn by Highland women in the 17th and 18th centuries.[n] Dress tartans tend to be made by replacing a prominent colour with the colour white. They are commonly used today in Highland dancing.

MUTED TARTAN

Muted Tartan is slightly different from Modern, for instance in Muted green colour looks more like green. Colours utilized in tartan have a selected meaning and it’s purely a contemporary one.

WEATHERED TARTAN

The main difference with the reproduction shades of Weathered Tartan is that the blues become slate blue, black a less intense charcoal black, red a deeper shade and green a sort of kakhi. Men wear kilts day and night to shield themselves from harsh weather conditions.

HUNTING TARTAN

Hunting Tartan was traditionally worn during hunting and these colours are most likely to find in nature. These are almost in greens and browns and they are the strongest colours here. For example MacLean Tartan is a red tartan, so a hunting tartan would have been needed to blend in more with the greens of the woodlands.

WHAT IS TARTAN PLAID

As describing the Tartan – Plaid is additionally commonly used word for Tartan which suggests that it’s made up of a cloth with a tartan pattern. Both contain horizontal and vertical stripes that intersect each other at a 90° angle, forming grid-like patterns across the textile.

Ancient Hunter Tartan Kilt
Ancient Hunter Tartan Kilt

Plaid kilts are kilts made from plaid fabric, which is a patterned fabric that consists of criss-crossed, horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors. Plaid is similar to tartan, but it is not limited to the specific patterns and colors associated with Scottish clans. Plaid kilt can be worn for a variety of occasions, including formal events, weddings, and traditional Scottish events. 
Plaid Tartans are very smiliar patterns which aren’t very easy to spot. However, this is often where it gets a touch bit complicated because all tartans are plaids, but not all plaids are tartans.

Today, if we see the tartan and “clan tartan” it is a crucial part of a Scottish clan. Most Scottish clans will have many different tartans correlated which can be created and added to the list of clan tartans, but they must be approved by the clan chief, and the Lord Lyon King of Arms, and then finally the Advisory Committee on Tartan.

CLAN TARTANS

Moreover, many plaid fabric have been developed for Individuals, Families, Districts, Universal and Regiments. In which, tartan for Individuals refer to the people who are linked with one’s family background and are worn by the clan’s members as their benefactors. If someone features a Scottish surname then there’s probably a tartan related to this name too as an example, Royal Stewart Tartan is strictly connected to the royalty which may be a very large sett and it’s divided by four which explains the odd-numbered that thread counts where blue bordering the red blocks is usually shown as azure.

Ancient,muted,modern tartan
Clans

DISTRICTS , REGIMENTAL TARTANS

Where in Districts Tartan it’s named after the actual geographic area which may be a symbol of nations, cities, provinces, states or maybe small towns. These sorts of tartans are usually worn by those that feel a private connection to the world that the tartan represents like sutherland kilt during which it features a deep forest green color that covers most of it, lining within the darker green, during which grassy green color is to offer it emphasis. 

Regimental Tartan is generally military tartans, however, these are affiliated with a selected regiment, and really, for instance, the night watch tartan which consists of two colors: stark black and a deep forest green shade. These colors run alongside one another in traditional tartan style only, veterans or currently serving members of that regiment should wear these then there are even regional tartans that are officially recognized by governmental entities.

sutherland_tartan_kilt
Sutherland Districts Tartan
black watch tartan
Regimental Black Watch Tartan

CORPORATION, UNIVERSAL TARTAN

Corporation Tartan belongs to a selected company, organization or group of individuals that gathered around particular interests means these tartans are worn only by employees or group members during which weaving of the tartan is generally restricted to company approved weavers only. And in Universal Tartan it’s intended for people with a link to Scotland, who wish to wear tartan but can’t identify their clans or the districts where their ancestors lived in.

royal_stewart_tartan_kilt
Royal Stewart Tartan

Tartan Colors

Colours used in tartan have a specific meaning and it is purely a modern one. The tartan colors were extracted mainly from dye produced by the plants, roots, berries and trees local to a specific geographic area. The pattern bisect horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. 

Tartan Pattern
Scottish Kilt Shop

There are many different tartan colors, each with its own unique colors and design. The colors used in tartan fabric can vary widely, but common colors include red, green, blue, yellow, and black. Some tartans may also include white, purple, and brown. The specific colors and arrangements of the bands in a plaid fabric are often carefully chosen and have cultural or historical significance.
In addition to traditional tartan patterns, there are also modern tartans that feature a wider range of colors and patterns. These modern tartans may be more suitable for contemporary fashion or for people who do not have a specific Scottish clan association.

How to Knit  Tartan Patterns  

To knit a tartan patterns you’ll use a machine but you could certainly knit the bottom by hand. The thought was to use a mix of knitting & weaving in long threads to form up the pattern during a simple manner and also spend some leftover yarn. you’ll fall crazy with this awesome stitch that’s super pretty with bold, pastel, or neutral colors from this you’ll make plenty of different knitting projects, and that they will all have a really cool effect.

Knitting a Tartan
Alignable

Looking to buy tartan fabric or custom made kilt ?

Struggling to find the perfect tartan for your kilt, just head over to scottish shop to get your ideal tartan fabric for any special corporate event or family gathering. All our tartan kilts are handmade and made to measure so actually, you can order any size and length. Our wide range of fabrics consists of over 1400+ authentic tartans are available.

Related Products

  • Kilts For Men
  • Kilts For Women
  • Kids Kilts 
  • Tartan Kilts For Sale

People also ask

What is the difference between tartan and plaid?

To portray a crisscross pattern, the word plaid is frequently misused globally. Plaid and tartan are often used synonymously in North America. The word plaid can describe the best way to unravel and understand just about any crisscross pattern. Tartan fabrics should always have a crisscross sequence, typically irregular, and have a recognized name or history linking them with a Scottish clan.

What's the difference between tartan and check?

What most people fail to understand is the difference between checks and plaids. If you want to understand what checks are, remember checkerboards! Checks are often symmetrical, composed of vertical and horizontal lines that are intertwined and create tiles of equal dimension. Therefore, though plaids produce a cross-hatched shape, checks imitate tiny frames.

What is the most popular tartan?

Nowadays, due to its dramatic red color scheme, Royal Stewart is the most successfully created tartan. As a cloth worn by rock, pop, and glam rock artists, Stewart tartan has a significant status and recognition and is perhaps the most popular tartan globally.

Does every Scottish family have a tartan?

Nearly every clan has at least one tartan assigned to its name, and the chief of the clan has created the tartans in several instances. As part of a clan’s identification, Highland dress and tartans are used, and nowadays, Scottish clan tartans are often utilized at Highland games or conventional Scottish weddings.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Total
63
Shares
Share 61
Tweet 0
Pin it 2
Alen Kesler

Related Topics
  • kiltpatterns
  • Kilts
  • plaidpatterns
  • redplaidpattern
  • scottishkilt
  • ScottishKilts
  • scottishtartan
  • tartan fabric
  • Tartan Pattern
  • Tartan Plaid
  • Tartankilt
  • tartanpatterns
  • typesoftartan
Previous Article
hybrid kilt
  • Kilt
  • Men and Kilts
  • Style
  • Working Kilt

Three Benefits of Working Kilts

  • January 12, 2017
  • Alen Kesler
View Post
Next Article
mens kilts
  • Kilt
  • Men and Kilts
  • Style

Terrified of Wearing Kilts?

  • January 16, 2017
  • Alen Kesler
View Post
You May Also Like
Plaid Fabric
View Post
  • Fashion and Trends
  • Style
  • Tartan Accessories

Plaid Fabric: All About History, Types & Uses in Fashion

  • Alen Kesler
  • March 22, 2023
Golf Kilt
View Post
  • Kilt
  • Uncategorized

Perfect Scottish Golf Itinerary: A Journey Through Golf History

  • Alen Kesler
  • March 9, 2023
Scottish Symbols
View Post
  • Fashion and Trends
  • Kilt Accessories

Scottish Symbols: A Detailed Exploration from Thistles to Tartans

  • Alen Kesler
  • March 8, 2023
Auld-Lang-Syne
View Post
  • News Updates

Auld Lang Syne | The Melody & Translation | A Closer Look

  • Alen Kesler
  • March 6, 2023
Celtic Tattoos
View Post
  • Fashion and Trends
  • News Updates
  • Style

Celtic Tattoos: Top 11 Distinctive Designs & Their Rich History

  • Alen Kesler
  • March 3, 2023
Great Kilt
View Post
  • Fashion and Trends
  • Kilt

The Great Kilt – A Guide About This Iconic Piece

  • Alen Kesler
  • March 2, 2023
Highlander Dress
View Post
  • Fashion and Trends
  • Men and Kilts
  • Style
  • Tartan Accessories

History & Significance of Highland Dress in this Modern Age!

  • Alen Kesler
  • February 12, 2023
Scottish Hat
View Post
  • Fashion and Trends
  • Kilt Accessories
  • Promotions
  • Style
  • Tartan Accessories

Flat-Topped Scottish Hat!

  • Alen Kesler
  • February 2, 2023
Featured Posts
  • Plaid Fabric 1
    Plaid Fabric: All About History, Types & Uses in Fashion
    • March 22, 2023
  • BraveHeart 2
    Braveheart – Explore the Usage & Cultural Significance
    • March 20, 2023
  • Tartan Tie 3
    Wanna Tie Your Tartan Tie Like a Pro: Here’s A Step-by-Step Guide
    • March 17, 2023
Recent Posts
  • Renaissance Fair
    Going to Renaissance Fair? 17 pro Tips to Make Your Visit Memorable
    • March 16, 2023
  • Saint David's Day
    Saint David’s day: Patron Saint of Wales and Miracle-Worker
    • March 16, 2023
  • Lochaber Axe
    Lochaber Axe: A Unique Scottish Weapon and Symbol of Tradition
    • March 15, 2023
Categories
  • Baby kilts (2)
  • Fashion and Trends (68)
  • Instruments (2)
  • Kilt (50)
  • Kilt Accessories (17)
  • Men and Kilts (46)
  • News Updates (30)
  • Promotions (10)
  • Reviews (6)
  • Style (65)
  • Tartan Accessories (10)
  • Tartan Dog Accessories (1)
  • Tartan Trews (4)
  • Travel (2)
  • Uncategorized (12)
  • Utility Kilts (4)
  • Women & Tartan Skirts (2)
  • Working Kilt (2)
Recent Comments
  • ScottishKiltShop on Complete Kilt Outfit for Formal & Casual Occasions
  • Rod Ragazzo on Complete Kilt Outfit for Formal & Casual Occasions
  • What customer says about Scottish Kilt on Promote Scottish Kilt and Get Rewarded!!
  • Meri on What is Hybrid Kilt? | A Little Bit Traditional And a Little Bit Modern
  • Ryan on Why Rent A Kilt When You Can Buy?
Scottish Blog
Specializing in Custom Made

Input your search keywords and press Enter.