Tartan Production Processes | Scottish Weddings


Wedding ceremonies with a Scottish theme custom-created by Jennifer Cram, Civil Marriage Celebrant / Humanist Officiant Phone me on : (07) 3378 3005 International Callers Dial: +617 3378 3005 Email: tartan-weddings {at} jennifercram.com.au (substitute @ for the [at]) Mail: P O Box 20, Indooroopilly QLD 4068, Australia © Jennifer Cram 2007-2010 All rights reserved
Home Customs and Traditions Piping in the bride The oathing stone Handfasting Scottish Style Sharing the Quaich Sashing the bride Music Choosing and using a piper Readings & Blessings Scottish readings Scottish blessings What to wear Choosing your Tartan What if you aren't Scottish? Attire for the Groom Attire for the Bride How Tartan is made Productionl processes My other websites www.JenniferCram.com.au www.PrideCeremonies.com.au	Traditional Tartan Weaving Processes The traditional method of weaving tartan fabrics is on a flying shuttle loom which facilitates the use of heavier yarns, is more tightly woven than fabrics woven on modern computerised looms, and gives give the tartan the distinctive cut-edge look that any proper kilt should have. Tartan fabrics woven on high speed computerised looms need each line of weft to be cut at each side, leaving untidy threads that give a thick edge when tucked in, and can fray, not a good look on a kilt, so it would need to be hemmed, not an authentic finish for a kilt. While there are literally thousands of individual family tartans, only the most popular such as the Black Watch, Royal Stewart, and the family tartans of very large clans are produced in large quantities by modern mills. The weaving of all other tartans is carried out by D. C. Dalgliesh Ltd, the sole surviving specialist artisan mill weaving tartans of traditional quality using traditional methods. For many people of Scots descent, Dalgliesh's is therefore the only place on earth that is keeping alive historic skills developed over many generations. Dalgliesh's will weave as little as four yards (3.7 metres) of single width tartan in wool, and 5 yards in silk, so no matter how rare your family tartan is, you will be able to obtain authentic fabric for your Scottish Tartan Wedding. You will also be able to obtain kilts, plaids, sashes, bow ties, neckties, and cummerbunds. Woollen fabric is traditional for kilts, but for the bride, an authentic tartan in silk makes superb sashes (for the sashing of the bride) fabric to incorporate in your gown, to use in bridesmaids and flower girls' dresses or sashes, and for to coordinate accessories such as having your shoes covered in silk tartan (a wonderful touch when worn with a white bridal gown). Silk fabric is great for ties and waistcoats for the men in the bridal party who do not wish to wear a kilt.