probably the place to ask this...

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 9th May 08, 01:48 PM

Is there a difference between a tartan and a plaid pattern (as opposed to a plaid garment)?

**Navyguy** · 9th May 08, 01:52 PM

All tartans ar plaids, however not all plaids are tartans.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 9th May 08, 02:08 PM

Originally Posted by Navyguy

All tartans ar plaids, however not all plaids are tartans.

yes, but what is the difference?

**Ryan Ross** · 9th May 08, 02:11 PM

I'm not sure, but I think it's only a tartan if the warp and weft are the same (or nearly so, in the case of individual batches of tartan which have been woven to include a decorative band near the selvage).

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th May 08, 03:22 PM

A Tartan is defined as a plaid like pattern where the Warp or vertical yarns and the Weft or horizontal yarns are arranged in the same sequence.
The colors of yarns are the same and the number of threads per color are the same.

Where the two colors cross it will then form a third color.

It is also accepted but not necessarily true that Tartan fabric should be woven in a Twill. Or where each warp yarn is woven over two Weft yarns and then under one weft yarn. This is a fairly new thing as the original fabrics were plain woven and did not have the distinctly diagonal pattern that a Twill does.

By definition the Welsh Tartans, although beautiful, are not true Tartans.
Also by definition a check where the two colors do not blend and form a third color is not a Tartan.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 9th May 08, 03:33 PM

Does registration also make it a tartan? Or is that not necessary?

**The Wizard of BC** · 9th May 08, 03:57 PM

If apprehended wearing a non-registered plaid and calling it a Tartan you will be subject to THE KILT COPS coming to your home, arresting your sheep from which fabric was shorn. The weaver who made it will be subject to a firm talking to, and you, the offender, will be made to stand on a public street corner in trousers with a big sign saying "Tartan Heretic". Next to you will be a bushel basket of steaming Haggis and all who pass by will be free to stuff them into your mouth till you repent.
For a second offense the punishment is too sever for me to relate on a family friendly forum.

**Ryan Ross** · 9th May 08, 04:24 PM

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

If apprehended wearing a non-registered plaid and calling it a Tartan you will be subject to THE KILT COPS coming to your home, arresting your sheep from which fabric was shorn. The weaver who made it will be subject to a firm talking to, and you, the offender, will be made to stand on a public street corner in trousers with a big sign saying "Tartan Heretic". Next to you will be a bushel basket of steaming Haggis and all who pass by will be free to stuff them into your mouth till you repent.
For a second offense the punishment is too sever for me to relate on a family friendly forum.

Oh no... I hope they get to entering the Ryan O. Ross tartan into the ITI pretty fast!

...I hate trousers.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 9th May 08, 07:18 PM

I think the answer is no.

**Dukeof Kircaldy** · 14th May 08, 07:31 PM

I found it: The Highland Dress Act of 1812 (48 George III, C 129), possession of an unregistered tartan

Originally Posted by The Wizard of BC

If apprehended wearing a non-registered plaid and calling it a Tartan you will be subject to THE KILT COPS coming to your home, arresting your sheep from which fabric was shorn. The weaver who made it will be subject to a firm talking to, and you, the offender, will be made to stand on a public street corner in trousers with a big sign saying "Tartan Heretic". Next to you will be a bushel basket of steaming Haggis and all who pass by will be free to stuff them into your mouth till you repent.
For a second offense the punishment is too sever for me to relate on a family friendly forum.