Designing a tartan and need help

[The_PreacherMan]

Hello all,

I'm working on creating a tartan for my family. The problem is, I'm very new to all this weaving terminology, and trying to translate computer images to real life cloth is frustrating. I've created a pattern on my computer that I like, but I'm trying to figure out thread counts for the proper size. Here is the effect that I want:



Would 4/LN 56DN 12DP 48DN 12DY 12/DR warp and 4/DB 56DN 12DP 48DN 12DG 12/DT weft define this pattern well? Does this thread count define half-pivots or full pivots? (I want the blue and gray stripes to be 8 wide, and the red and brown ones 24). Would this thread count result in a 6-8 inch full repeat in 16oz wool? or would I need to double the numbers for that?

Lastly, does anyone see any problems with this pattern? is it way too similar to anything already in existence? Is it just going to be plain ugly? Comments? questions? suggestions? answers? =)

Thank you all,
Z.D.

[The_PreacherMan]

Anyone? =(

[piperdbh]

Have you tried entering your thread count and colors into an online tartan design program, such as the one at Scotweb? That will probably answer a lot of questions, and be easier, too.

[TimButterfield]

The Croft Weaver web program allows for some scaling that may allow you to see what a larger number of setts looks like on screen. If using the Scotweb designer, read the fine print you agree to as that will limit your mill choice.

It seems one thing being asked is for a per inch thread count that can be used to calculate sett size. I did find this Q&A response (bottom item on page).

I compiled the STS database back in 1992 and included both the Lyon count (199) and the sample count (198) for Hogarth of Firhill. Our weavers are quite used to multiplying up the threads to match the weight of the yarn. For example, an heavyweight 15oz cloth woven at 40 threads per inch would produce a cloth quite similar to 198, whereas a 10oz lightweight cloth might have six threads in the narrow stripes. The aim in both cases, is to produce a pattern repeat (a full sett) of approximately 6 inches, so that the depth of the pleats in the kilt will be about the length of your fingers - about 3 inches.

I am not sure which mill you may use, what weight cloth you desire, or what the final threads per inch may be, but this may provide some numbers to start with in determining your sett size. I hope it helps.

[The_PreacherMan]

Thank you! That answered the thread count questions; in 16 oz thread, this sett is exactly eight inches.

That just leaves the person opinion aspect of it. I really would like to know what other people think of it. What is your opinion on it? Is it beautiful and pristine as the night sky? or is it as drab and ugly as forty year old shag carpet?

[HeathBar]

You've asked for an honest opinion so I'll give you one. I don't like it. The bright gold and red verticle stripes overpower the whole look and make the rest of the colors look drab. Is there a reason for the warp and weft not matching? I know that the Welsh tartans do not have a matching warp and weft. Its an unusual choice of colors, do they carry some significant meaning? If this is something you want to do for your family, it might be in your best interest to hire a tartan designer. They are the experts and will consult with you to produce a handsome tartan that will, hopefully, be loved for generations to come.

[The_PreacherMan]

The reason for different colors is that half my family wanted red and gold, the other green and brown. lol

As for significant meaning, there was some symbolism involved in picking the colors, but nothing that can't be reorganized, re-prioritized, or simply dropped. The symbolism was the reason for differing warp and weft; it seemed like a convenient way to get around the 'maximum of six colors' rule.

The blue and light gray stripe are the least important, so I can drop those and replace them with the green/brown ones. With the gray stripe gone, I could use a warmer color for the backgroud for balance with the red/gold. Make the warp/weft the same..... hmmmm yay!! Ideas!! Thank you. =)

Unfortunately, I can't afford to hire a tartan designer. Technically, I can't afford to have any tartan woven either, but since I'm going to be weaving on my own loom, that doesn't matter. Besides, this is fun! lol

Thank you all, I'll work on it and post the new combination.
Z.D.

[The Wizard of BC]

May we ask sir, why do you want the weft and warp threads to be different?
The technical definition of Tartan is that the weft and warp are the same. It's not a hard and fast rule as there are now some (Welsh) Tartans that are different.

[Chas]

I don't like it. It does not fit with what I consider a tartan to be. I have no problems with your colour pallete only with how they are put together.

Regards

Chas

[piperdbh]

How about this, using your colors? I made it on tartanweb.org