What is tartan fabric?
Tartan is a distinctive woven fabric featuring criss-crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colours, known as ‘setts’. Traditionally made from wool, it has strong ties to Scottish clans, where each family’s pattern was worn with pride. Beyond its heritage, tartan has spun its way through history and is now an instantly recognisable global style that has endless applications in interiors and fashion.
Tartan in the home
Checked curtains
Tartan curtain fabric is an effortless way to introduce pattern and tradition into your home. Tartan curtains work beautifully in country cottages, heritage-inspired interiors, and even contemporary spaces that need a touch of warmth.
If you’re concerned that tartan curtain fabric will make your home dark and heavy, take a look at lighter options. The Balmoral Fabric in Loch is a 100% wool tartan in beautiful light blues and browns that gives a sense of open blue skies and stunning watery landscapes.
Upholstered sophistication
Tartan plaid upholstery fabric is a top choice for updating furniture as it is inherently durable, long-lasting, and fire retardant. Our Skye Wool Fabric in Claret by Abraham Moon is ideal for updating armchairs, dining chairs, or even ottomans. Made by the renowned Yorkshire mill, it has a luxurious feel and rich, wine-toned palette.
For a more contemporary, fresh take, use a neutral tartan like greys or creams on modern furniture shapes to create subtle texture without overpowering the space.
Dressmaking: from clans to catwalks
With its rich heritage and culture, tartan is a dream for dressmakers and designers looking to make a statement in fashion. Whether you’re channelling Vivienne Westwood’s punk tartan or a Highland ballgown, tartan has many uses in dressmaking - and is definitely not just for pyjamas!
Blue and green tartan checks are a classic combination and work well for skirts and trousers, whatever the season. For summer, you could choose lighter colorways and textures or just add touches of traditional tartan - a summer shawl or a trim on a straw hat, for example.
Other ideas for tartan fabric
One of the joys of working with tartan is its flexibility. But aside from curtains and upholstering furniture, knowing what to make with tartan fabric can be limited. If you’re keen to use tartan fabric in your home, why not start with something small and include a few tartan accents before committing to bigger projects?
Here are some ideas to spark your imagination:
- Homeware: Cushions in mismatched tartans create a playful, layered look and can be dialled up or down depending on the season. Table runners or placemats in summer tartan shades make a fresh alternative to florals - think soft blues, greens, and creams for summer plaid done differently.
- Clothing: For an easy DIY project, try making a hair scrunchie or hairband in a colourful tartan - they make lovely DIY gifts too.
- Summer accessories: Fashion a tartan picnic blanket and fabric napkins from remnants - or for the ultimate outdoor summer fabric accessory, how about colourful tartan bunting in an array of colours and plaids
Finding the right tartan for your project
We’re often asked where to buy tartan fabric, and the truth is, it pays to do your research. Not all tartans are created equal, so it’s important to find the right quality tartan for your project.
At Just Fabrics, we source many of our tartans from trusted UK mills, including the iconic Abraham Moon. Explore our hand-picked Plaid, Tartan & Wool Fabrics selection online and don’t forget you can order free samples before you commit to make sure the tartan is just right for your project
Ready for your Highland fling?
Whether you're bringing Highland charm to a hallway, reviving a summer jacket with a bold lining, or simply indulging in some creative downtime with a sewing project, we’ve got a tartan for you. For help and advice, why not pop into one of our showrooms in Cheltenham or Burford where you can feel the quality of our tartan fabrics, or get in touch with our expert makers via phone or email
