searching for a tartan match

**okiwen** · 26th June 12, 06:35 PM

I am told that this is a MacDonald but I have lost the e-mail that told me which one. I am not sure it is even a match. I am trying to match this tartan in a kilt that is most likely 50 plus years old.

**davidlpope** · 26th June 12, 06:49 PM

MacDonald Clan Tartan, probably House of Edgar Muted Color Scheme.

I'd order a swatch from HOE to compare.

**xman** · 26th June 12, 07:13 PM

Yes, this is MacDonald of MacDonald Muted currently woven by House of Edgar, Batley Mills and Marton Mills.

**okiwen** · 26th June 12, 07:18 PM

Wow, you people are fast. Looking now.

**xman** · 26th June 12, 07:35 PM

I should also mention that this tartan and colour scheme is additionally woven by Strathmore Woollen Mill, but at a glance I am sure it is not that mill.

I believe this colour scheme came about in the 1970's. If you have the kilt at hand and can check the bottom edge for a thicker tucked edge or a uniform turned edge it may help to narrow down the possibilities.

**okiwen** · 26th June 12, 08:19 PM

The bottom edge appears to just be a plain salvaged edge. I think that so far the Lachcarron MacDonald ancient is the closest. I will need to send them the measurements of the set to see if its heavy or medium. I guessing medium. Looks to be about $70 a yard. Still looking.

How do you guys know this stuff??!

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 27th June 12, 03:33 AM

Lochcarron's MacDonald ancient will be nowhere near close. If you want a close match, you'll need to go with one of the available sources mentioned here for the MacDonald muted color scheme, as has been recommended.

I will caution, though, that if this is indeed an older kilt there is no guarantee that cloth obtained today from any of the mills -- even if the colors match -- will match in terms of sett size. Also, you did not mention the weight of the cloth. Tartans come in a variety of weights, so this could be light, medium, heavy, etc?

What is the purpose for matching the material? That will determine how close you need to be. Are you looking to add cloth to this kilt to make it larger? Are you looking to make a waistcoat or fly plaid to wear with the kilt? Or cloth to make a skirt or sash for a lady to wear which would correspond to her man's kilt?

**okiwen** · 27th June 12, 08:38 AM

I don't have color swatches so I was just going what they looked like on the computer next to each other. I have tried to contact the other suggested mills and have yet to receive a response, although I'm sure one is coming. From what I could tell on the computer the Lachcarron was the closest, but the others seemed to be digital representations of the material rather than a picture. I will certainly take your work for the mismatch and continue to look.

The purpose it to make another kilt that matches. I got this one for a son and I'd like to match it for the other son. It's a nice tartan and will fill a color scheme that I like as well.