Tartan

Tartan is a woven textile characterized by interlocking horizontal and vertical stripes in multiple colors, creating a distinctive checkered appearance. This pattern is created using a simple weave where the warp and weft threads are woven in specific sequences.

While tartan originated in the Scottish Highlands, the strict codification of specific patterns (setts) to represent specific family clans did not begin until the 19th century. Today, however, many Scottish families and institutions have officially registered tartans.

In Scotland, tartans are officially recorded in the Scottish Register of Tartans, maintained by the National Records of Scotland in Edinburgh. Anyone can design and register a new tartan as long as it meets their technical criteria and does not duplicate an existing pattern.

In North America, the terms are often used interchangeably, but in Scotland, 'tartan' refers to the woven pattern itself. 'Plaid' traditionally refers to a specific piece of cloth, such as a blanket or a draped garment worn over the shoulder, rather than the geometric design.