In todays blog, we are going to be talking about Tartan Fabric, what it can be used for, and the range we stock here at Calico Laine.
Tartan can be described as a pattern that consists of several different colours that are arranged in criss-crossed horizontal lines. Originally Tartan Fabric was made from wool, but is now also produced using a range of other synthetic fibres like polyester.
The word 'Tartan' actually comes from the French language and is derived from the meaning of 'woven cloth' (tirer), due to the way in which it is made. The wool is woven at different angles to each other, to create the various patterns you can see in all the different Tartan patterns.
In general Tartan is associated with Scotland, and it is the Scottish kilts that almost always display various different Tartan patterns, often being the individually deasigned for families or 'clans'. At present there are several thousand known designs of Tartan, and there are also many that are recognized as being officially registered to a clan, and are used to identify members of that clan.
However, Tartan has been linked to Celtic tribes from outside the Brisitsh Isles from over 1000 years ago, before it became popluar in Scotland, and it continues to be a popular Fashion Pattern worldwide.
Tartan is not only popular in Scottish culture for making kilts, it is also becoming another Fashion print:
- Clothing - Womens and mens clothing garments often incorporate Tartan patterns, and is often used in fashion accessories such as ladies scarves, and is now printed on various different fabrics including Chiffon, Satin and Jersey materials.
- Household Furnishing - Tartan is becoming popular in home decor, and is commonly used as a design for cushion covers and other accessories.