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.
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.
Easy DIY Tartan Cone Christmas Trees
Tartan is a woven fabric that is easily frayed. It's a perfect fabric for making these festive fringed tabletop Christmas trees.
Sew a DIY travel toiletries bag
This would make a lovely homemade gift for a man. It's made with Black Watch Tartan, affiliated with a Royal Scottish Military regiment of the same name. But the tartan can be worn by anyone.
How to make tartan feathers
I like to think of these feathers coming from some wonderful colourful Scottish bird with a tartan plume! But alas, I don't think there is such a bird. They are made in the same way as these popular denim feathers.
How To Make an Upcycled Gucci Inspired Tiger Pillow
Copy this Gucci home idea for a Boujee pillow by upcycling a tartan skirt and adding funky embroidered patches.
Tartan Necklace DIY
Use scraps of brightly coloured tartan to make a statement necklace. Great to wear for a Burns night supper!
How To Make Scrap Tartan Scottie Dog Ornaments
I don't think you can get more Scottish than a tartan Scottie dog! Add a bit of Scotland to your Christmas decorations by hanging this as ornaments or garlands on the mantle.
How To Make Adorable Tartan Trees From Fabric Scraps
Scotlands is famed for its wild countryside and forests. Make a whole forest of tartan and plaid trees for your fall and winter mantle decor.
Tartan Pine Needle Sachet
Not only do these fragrant sachets look Scottish, but they also smell of Scotland, with their fresh pine smell. These would make a great craft to sell for Christmas markets.
Faux Tartanware Decoupage
Authentic tartanware items originated in Scotland, with production commencing during the Victorian Era, and these pieces are now highly prized as collectables. "Tartanware" encompasses a range of objects adorned with the signature tartan plaid pattern.
Tartan and Sequin Tea Towel Cushion
Another tartan pillow craft, but this one is a tea towel upcycle and decorated with sequins.
DIY Tartan Plaid Desk Accessories
Use your leftover tartan scraps to upcycle tin cans into Scottish-themed DIY pen holders for your desk.
Tartan Fabric Stars Holiday Hoop Art
Usered tartan ribbon and embroidery hoops to make Christmas star decorations for your walls.
Glencoe Tartan Poncho Crochet Pattern
Keep yourself warm and cosy with this Glencoe tartan crochet poncho pattern.
Festive Plaid and Yarn Faux Deer Head
This is a tartan and yarn craft, decorating a festive deer head for your wall. I also think one of these fabric deer head patterns would look fabulous, made with a tartan material.
DIY: Tartan Fabric Glass Plates
My Scottish mother would love these on her Burns supper table! Such a fun idea for a special table scape.
Fabric Flower Pattern
These are designed as poppy seed heads but could also pass as thistles, especially when made with tartan fabric!
DIY Tartan Rag Wreath
Make a wreath out of red or green tartan scraps for Christmas decoration. Use tartan scraps in yellows, oranges and browns for a fall wreath!
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.
You might also like this rainbow thistle decoration.
To add a bit of glamour to your fabric crafting, check out these velvet craft ideas.
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🤣
sandi magle
Wednesday 5th of July 2023
I love all your projects, but the Tartan feathers catch my eye as we have a 'nautical fishing' family room...and I think they would add some life as decorative lures...just thinking. Plus I use tartans for the holidays down there in blues and greens! Hugs, Sandi ---fun and creative post!
Claire Armstrong
Thursday 6th of July 2023
Thank you,Sandi. The tartan feathers are fun to make and very relaxing, they are also a great way to use up fabric scraps.