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Understanding Tartan
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What is tartan? What makes it unique?
A tartan (or ‘plaid’) is a simple criss-cross coloured pattern, which is normally woven. Each tartan is defined by its “sett“, a sequence of coloured lines called its “thread count“. A tartan’s thread count is normally (but not always) mirrored… i.e. 12 yellow, 16 red, 10 blue - 10 blue, 16 red, 12 yellow. And the same sequence (More...)What is the Scottish Tartans Authority?
The Scottish Tartans Authority (STA) holds the world’s largest archive of recorded tartan patterns. Scotweb is honoured to be authorised to give you access to the full STA collection, which we have combined with our own unrivalled database of weaver-produced tartan fabrics. Together these offer you a unique facility to reliably research your historic tartans, and then find materials (More...)Where can I find more in-depth information about kilts & tartans?
Scotweb’s MD, Dr Nicholas J Fiddes, has written a free illustrated e-book, as a gift to help kilt lovers everywhere. In simple non-technical language it covers every aspect of buying a kilt, choosing your tartan, and accessorising an outfit for every occasion. As a Governor of the Scottish Tartans Authority, and founder of the world’s first (More...)Why do colour shades of tartans vary?
The colour of tartan fabric can often vary (sometimes greatly) from what you expect compared to a previous sample of the ’same’ tartan, or what you’ve seen on a computer display. There are many reasons why this will always be so, some of which we explain below. But first, we need to question some expectations, (More...)What is the best material and weight for other tartan products?
Tartan products other than men’s kilts, such as ladies’ skirts or gents’ ties, are more commonly made in lighter weight tartans, and perhaps even in tartan silks, which we also supply. You should find these in our tartan finder. And if you find the product you like, the tartans available for it will have suitable (More...)What is the best material and weight for a kilt?
Tartan for a traditional kilt is always woven in pure new wool. Some shops sell cut-price “kilts”, poorly-made from cotton or synthetic fibre mixes, but these are simply rubbish and if you wear one to anything but a party or game you will probably regret it (though we do sell a high quality hypoallergenic polyviscose (More...)20% Off
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