Tartan Facts for Kids

A tartan is a special kind of pattern that comes from Scotland. It's made of colorful lines and blocks that cross over each other. You often see tartans on kilts, which are traditional Scottish skirts worn by men. Each tartan pattern can be unique, like a family crest, and often belongs to a specific Scottish clan (a group of families) or a region.

Three examples of Scottish tartan patterns.

What is Tartan?

Tartan is a woven fabric pattern. It uses different colored threads that cross over each other. This creates a pattern of squares and lines. The way the colors and lines cross makes a unique design. Think of it like a special kind of plaid.

How is Tartan Made?

Tartan is made by weaving threads. The threads are dyed different colors. They are woven in a specific order, both up and down and side to side. This weaving creates the criss-cross pattern. The pattern is the same in both directions. This means it looks the same if you turn the fabric upside down.

The "Sett" of a Tartan

Each tartan has a special design called a "sett." The sett is the unique pattern of colors and lines. It repeats over and over in the fabric. This sett is what makes one tartan different from another. It's like a fingerprint for each tartan design.

The History of Tartan

Tartan has a long and interesting history in Scotland. For a long time, people in the Scottish Highlands wore tartan. It was part of their everyday clothing.

Early Tartan Use

In the past, tartans were often made from local dyes. This meant that the colors of a tartan might depend on where it was made. Different areas might have had their own common patterns. This was before tartans were linked to specific clans.

Tartan and Clans

Over time, tartans became connected to Scottish clans. A clan is like a big family group. Each clan started to have its own special tartan pattern. Wearing your clan's tartan showed who you were. It showed your family and where you came from.

The Ban on Tartan

After the Battle of Culloden in 1746, the British government banned tartan. They wanted to stop the Scottish clan system. For many years, it was against the law to wear tartan. This ban lasted for about 35 years. It was a very difficult time for Scottish culture.

Tartan's Comeback

When the ban was lifted, tartan became popular again. It became a symbol of Scottish pride. People started to wear it to show their heritage. Today, tartan is known all over the world. It is a strong symbol of Scotland.

Different Types of Tartan

There are many different types of tartan. Each one has its own meaning or history.

Clan Tartans

Most people know about clan tartans. These are patterns linked to specific Scottish clans. For example, the Clan Campbell has its own tartan. The Clan MacLeod also has a unique pattern. Wearing a clan tartan shows your family connection.

District Tartans

Some tartans are linked to a specific area or district in Scotland. These are called district tartans. They represent a place, not a family.

Fashion Tartans

Today, many fashion designers use tartan patterns. These are not always linked to clans or districts. They are used because the pattern looks good. You can see tartan in many types of clothing and accessories.

Royal Stewart Tartan

One very famous tartan is the Royal Stewart tartan. It is the personal tartan of the British royal family. It is also one of the most popular tartans in the world. Many people wear it, even if they are not Scottish.

Tartan Today

Tartan is still very important in Scotland. It is also popular around the world.

Wearing Tartan

People wear tartan for many reasons. They wear it for special events like weddings or graduations. Many people wear kilts made of tartan. It is also common to see tartan on scarves, blankets, and other items.

Tartan Day

There is a special day called Tartan Day. It celebrates Scottish influence in places like North America, Australia, and New Zealand. It's a day to show Scottish pride. It happens on the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath.

Tartan in Pop Culture

Tartan patterns appear in many places. You might see them in movies, TV shows, or even on sports teams. For example, the Scottish regional airline Loganair uses a tartan design on its planes. Even punk fashion has used tartan!

Images for kids

Tartan weaving in Lochcarron, Scottish Highlands
The color of the Clan MacLeod tartan was described in 1829.
John Campbell of the Bank, 1749. The official Clan Campbell tartans are mostly blue, green, and black.
The MacDonald boys playing golf, 18th century.
David Morier's An Incident in the Rebellion of 1745. The Highlanders in the painting wear many different tartans.
The world's first permanent color photograph in 1861 was of a tartan ribbon.
Clan Armstrong tartan
Highland dancing at a 2005 Highland games in the U.S.
MacLachlan hunting tartan
Scottish regional airline Loganair in its tartan design.
A German punk wearing a piece of the Royal Stewart tartan, 1984.
Coat of arms of the now-closed Scottish Tartans Society.
Scottish actor Sir Sean Connery at a Tartan Day celebration. He wore a green-and-black hunting tartan kilt when he was knighted.
Royal Stewart tartan