Tartan is a fabric with criss-crossed patterns that serve as a major identity of Scotland. Being a traditional fabric, it has been representing the positive face of Scots, revealing the element of love for their culture. Tartan serves in the form of fabric as men’s kilts and in other industries like furniture, home decor, etc. Every sept of tartan hides a story of clans to whom it is identical. This article will discuss everything from history, the art of tartan weaving, and tips to preserve this tradition.
The Origin of Tartan
People consider tartan and kilts the same and think of their origin as kilts, but the reality is something else. Undoubtedly, the fame that tartan has today began gaining with the rise of kilts. However, the first symptom of tartan dates from 250 AD and is still available in the National Museum of Scotland. In the 1700s, tartan became a sign of rebellion when the chain of Jacobite Uprising started. After the last battle of rebellion, the English throne imposed The Dress Act, which was meant to surpass Scottish culture. It continued for 40 years and was lifted in 1782, increasing tartan fame. Today, tartan is popular worldwide, and the entire world crafts it.
Art of Tartan Weaving
Initially, tartan was made by hand, but machines and industries have replaced it now. People who love showing their close connection with their history or traditions still prefer wearing hand-made tartan kilts. We are going to describe the traditional method of weaving tartan.
Tools One Need: In traditional methods of weaving tartan, two main materials are the primary requirements: wool and a loom. The loom holds the threads in place while they’re woven together. Kiltmakers also need a shuttle to carry the yarn across the loom.
Preparing the Threads: Start by choosing colored yarns for the tartan pattern. Traditional tartans use a variety of colours, such as red, green, and blue. The yarn is then cut into threads of equal length, depending on the width of the tartan.
Setting Up the Loom: They place the warp threads (vertical threads) onto the loom. These threads run from top to bottom and must be tightly spaced to create a firm structure.
Weaving the Pattern: Weaving involves moving the weft threads through the warp. The shuttle is passed back and forth over and under the vertical threads. The key to tartan is its checkered design. Change colours precisely to create the pattern representing the tartan according to requirement.
Finishing the Weaving: Makers then remove the fabric from the loom once the pattern is complete. The edges are then finished to prevent them from unravelling. The tartan is now ready for use in garments like kilts or scarves.
Tips to Preserve the Tradition of Weaving Tartan by Hands
Educate people about the value of tartan. Support local tartan suppliers who weave tartan using hands instead of machines. Encourage tartan-makers to adopt innovation. Ask them to create something new, like new tartan patterns, explore new colour combinations, etc. Similarly, taking steps to spread awareness among those who know little about the tartan, especially the art of weaving it by hand.
Tartan in Modern Times
Undoubtedly, tartan or tartan kilts serve as a face of Scottish history. The fame this fabric started gaining after the ban was lifted is still moving towards the sky. Today, Scots wear tartans as their identity, and many other countries, from New Zealand to India, have started making tartans as well. The demand is increasing with time, and the number of industries is directly proportional to the demand Tartan does not restrict itself to kilts only but impacts the entire fashion industry globally. Other than kilts, it appears in various garments like skirts, jackets, trousers, and accessories. In other words, major designers worldwide love to use this particular fabric.
Experience the Tartan Tradition with Scottish Kilt Co
Be simple if you also want to promote tartan worldwide. Do you have Scottish ancestry? Wear your tartan on special occasions. Promoting the fabric is also possible if you are a non-Scot. Buy a universal tartan, wear it, and tell others about its importance. Worried about having no experience buying tartan kilts? Approach Scottish Kilt Co. today. Our team is waiting to educate you and deliver exceptional tartan kilts.
