Tartan Patterns | Why are There Different Shades of Tartan?

Symphony of Scottish Tartans Patterns:

One of the questions that I get asked a lot is that it pertains to the selection of a suitable tartan. Whilst purchasing a kilt, because if you or you may not know but there are over 1500+ tartan options available, making the decision quite overwhelming. Even if a customer has a specific clan and desires their corresponding tartan, there are often multiple variations of that tartan to choose from. Tartan selection is a personal decision, catering to individual preferences, whether one favours an ancient or modern design.

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 kilts. However, tartan patterns can also be found on a variety of other items, including blankets, scarves, trews, fly plaids, skirts, and even handbags.

Tara Murphy Tartan Kilt — Tara Murphy Tartan

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.

The variations in Clan Tartans!

Okay, so let’s just start by saying that have you ever noticed that the Scot tartans from different mills often have variations for the same clan? Take the Macdonald Tartan , for example. You might come across MacDonald Ancient, MacDonald Muted, and MacDonald Weathered, macdonald hunting. But what does it all mean? Do they all belong to some different clans? Why is it like that?
The answer is, It’s nothing to do with the clans more specifically. The tartan itself is defined by its ‘thread count,’ which refers to the sequence of colours and the tartan threads that have been used in the weave. The variations like Ancient, Modern, Muted, and Weathered indicate different colour palettes or shades used in the design, while the underlying tartan thread count remains the same.
Ancient tartans have lighter, faded colours, while Modern tartans feature brighter hues. Muted tartans have more subdued or earthy tones, and Weathered tartans offer an aged appearance. So, although there may be multiple versions of tartans associated with a clan, they all stem from the same thread count. The variations lie in the colours used, giving rise to distinct styles like MacDonald Ancient, MacDonald Modern, MacDonald Muted, and MacDonald Weathered.

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

ANCIENT:

The Ancient color palette takes us on a journey to the past, recreating the enchanting hues of ancient plant-derived dyes that predated the invention of chemical dyes by the Victorians. These colours were believed to be lighter and more delicate. Now, envision the transformation within the tartan cloth:

The fiery red turns into light orange,
The deep blue turns into a gentle sky blue,
The lush green transforms into a lively grassy green,
And the radiant yellow tartan becomes a subtle pale yellow.

Behold the MacDonald Clan tartan in the ANCIENT colour palette, where softer and lighter shades bring forth the allure of dyeing with traditional, plant-based methods.

MODERN:

The Modern colour palette embodies the epitome of Scottish tartans. It reflects the advent of “modern” chemical dyes that emerged in the 19th century, boasting bold, vibrant, and luxurious colours akin to those found on a primary colour wheel. Observe the following:

A bold red that demands attention from a dim red,
A navy blue exuding depth and sophistication from a simple blue,
A dark bottle green reminiscent of ancient forests from the dull grassy green,
And a vivid yellow radiating energy from the pale one.

Explore the MacDonald Clan tartan in the MODERN color palette, representing the quintessential choice for Scottish tartans.

MUTED:

Enter the realm of the Muted color palette, a contemporary concept that captures the essence of soft and natural tones. Positioned between the lightness of the ancient color palette and the opulence of the modern color palette, it offers a unique spectrum:

A rich red resembling the color of blood,
A stormy sky blue evoking a sense of mystery,
An olive green reminiscent of tranquil landscapes,
And a golden shade reminiscent of precious metals.

Witness the MacDonald Clan tartan in the MUTED color palette, where a subdued, jewel-tone appearance reigns supreme.

Weathered:

The Weathered color palette, also known as “Reproduction” by some mills, transports us to a realm of timeless charm. It aims to emulate tartans that have weathered the elements, their fibers steeped in history. Notice the inclusion of various browns and grays, evoking the passage of time:

A “salmon” red, as if touched by the hues of twilight,
A bluish grey reminiscent of stormy skies,
A transformation of green into earthy brown,
And a pale gold, reminiscent of sun-kissed fields.

In Summary – Remember, a tartan’s thread count remains unchanged, akin to its DNA, as officially recorded by the Office of Lord Lyon in Scotland. However, as a wearer of tartan, you have a myriad of options available, ranging from the boldness of the Modern palette to the rustic charm of the Weathered palette. Embrace the artistry and versatility of Scottish tartans in their magnificent colors.

THE CLAN TARTANS

Moreover, many scottish tartans 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.

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 kilt 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.