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17+ Tartan Craft Ideas: Unleash Your Inner Scot with These Projects

Discover the beauty of tartan with these stunning craft ideas! Unleash your creativity with patterns that have charmed for centuries.

Today we’re going on a tartan crafting adventure. Tartan holds a special place in my heart. My Scottish mum is the tartan queen, especially regarding Hogmanay and Burns Night. Those are big-deal celebrations in my family, and let me tell you, Mum does not hold back on the tartan decorations. We’re talking full-on tartan tablecloths and napkins that make the dining room look ready for a royal Highland banquet.

And the tartan nostalgia doesn’t end there. Picture tiny me in a cute kilt, looking like I just stepped out of a Scottish postcard. But, the real star of the show? In all his kilted glory, my granddad beamed like the king of Scotland at every family gathering. He wore his kilt with so much pride that you couldn’t help but be swept up in the Scottish spirit.

Tartan craft ideas pin

Understanding the Patterns: Tartan vs Plaid vs Check

One of the things to understand when embarking on tartan craft ideas is the difference between tartan, plaid, and check fabrics. This is especially close to my heart as my Scottish heritage has instilled a deep love for tartan.

Tartan is a pattern of crisscrossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours. Traditionally, it’s made from woven wool, and each design can represent a specific Scottish clan. Tartan patterns are symmetrical; if you fold it diagonally, you’ll have the same design on both sides.

On the other hand, plaid in North America refers to any cloth with a tartan pattern. However, a plaid is a large tartan cloth worn as a shawl in Scotland. This can be not very clear for those not familiar with Scottish culture.

Lastly, a check is a pattern of modified stripes with crossed horizontal and vertical lines forming squares. It’s usually two colours and doesn’t have varied designs of tartan.

Tartan is more than just fabric; its history, heritage, and family all rolled into one. So, why not infuse your crafts with a touch of the Highlands? Whether your family hails from Scotland or you adore the style, I’m here to guide you through the enchanting world of tartan crafts. Let’s get started!

The Art of Tartan: Craft Ideas and DIY Projects for All Ages

Get crafty with traditional Scottish tartan. Explore these tartan craft ideas and bring a piece of Scotland into your home.

If you use tartan fabric in almost any sewing pattern, it will instantly become a Scottish craft. Check out this great list of fabric scrap ideas; many would look fabulous made with your leftover bits of tartan material.

I’ve seen many tartan roses for sale on Etsy; these can be made the same way as these denim roses but with tartan fabric instead. They would make a lovely tabletop decoration for Burns Night.

If you are looking for more Scotish-themed crafts, check out these easy DIY fabric thistles and this rainbow thistle decoration.

To add a bit of glamour to your fabric crafting, check out these velvet craft ideas.

Rosann Pearson

Tuesday 14th of May 2024

What great ideas; can’t wait to try the Christmas ornaments! Will post when I complete a project. Thanks for giving me inspiration!

Claire Armstrong

Tuesday 14th of May 2024

Thank you, tartan is a great choice for Christmas. Have fun making your ornaments.

Kathie

Monday 22nd of January 2024

I am thrilled. My Scottish Terriers and I thank you Slainte

Claire Armstrong

Monday 22nd of January 2024

You’re welecome thank you 🤣

Julie

Thursday 27th of July 2023

I love a bit of tartan, especially the red ones like the Royal Stewart. What a lovely collection of ideas.

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 27th of July 2023

Thank you, yeah I'm drawn to tartan and have a few wonderful tartan blankets. I like the modern designs in bright colours.

Cara ~ Vintage Style Gal

Monday 10th of July 2023

I am a HUGE tartan plaid lover! I have been wanting to create a post about it, I think you have inspired me Claire. I am not a Christmas only tartan lover either, I think it just adds a rich feel to any room. Now I need to get started!

Claire Armstrong

Monday 10th of July 2023

Thank you so much, can't wait to see what you come up with.

vicki

Thursday 6th of July 2023

Love all of the ideas, I'll be saving these project for Christmas. Thank You!

Claire Armstrong

Thursday 6th of July 2023

Thank you, glad you like them. Tartan is all year round in this house, but ramps up a bit for Hogmanay🤣