Spinning for tartan

[BonnetMaker]

Amongst other things I'm a spinner and dyer, and whilst its not a project I'm going to be in a position to start for some years I suspect, I've always intended spinning and weaving a kilt length for himself one of these days.

By one of those funny genealogical quirks, my great great grandfather was a madder dyer in the Glasgow madder works, and its one of my favourite dyes to work with, so its likely that varying shades of madder will feature heavily when I eventually get round to doing this, balanced with several undyed wools.

In the meantime, I intend to periodically sample spin and test weave small pieces to refine my spinning techniques for tartan, but wanted to ask the professionals here for any tips on getting the yarn right. What makes the perfect yarn for tartan weaving?

[Pleater]

I'm not an expert - I only fold prespun threads or correct yarns which are wrong for knitting and crochet, but I would think that a worsted spun yarn at quite a high twist would be the type of yarn to aim for.

The twist should not be so high that the resultant fabric is hard enough to hurt. I have read that the fabric used in some military kilts was so hard that, when wet and dirty, it could cut the skin.

Anne the Pleater :ootd:

[sydnie7]

Have you seen this thread? You might PM the member to see if they are willing to discuss their project details and results.

[BonnetMaker]

Have you seen this thread? You might PM the member to see if they are willing to discuss their project details and results.

Excellent, I did do a search on spinning but nothing came up, maybe I'm using the wrong search terms here.

[sydnie7]

Excellent, I did do a search on spinning but nothing came up, maybe I'm using the wrong search terms here.

I remembered that specific post and found it by searching on "weaving." Don't recall anything similar that might be of help in your project, but you could do that search and glance through the results.

You are taking on quite a project -- hats off to your dedication!

[BonnetMaker]

Well, it won't be for a while, but Its been on my 'someday' list for a good 15years now and hopefull it won't be another 15 before I get time to do it, but its nice to revisit the plans periodically and do some test spinning

[Pleater]

The only way is to make a start - I have so many projects on the go, but at least when I have the urge to do some work everything is ready to go - even if it is over 30 years ago that I started work - the traditional English smock for instance.

Anne the Pleater :ootd: