The NH Tartan

NEW HAMPSPHIRE TARTAN

We are excited to announce that NHSCOT has been assigned the copyright for the New Hampshire Tartan. Designed in 1993 by Ralf L. Hartwell to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the NH Highland Games & Festival. Hartwell designed a tartan with unique color tones to symbolize features from the state. Purple is for the state bird and flower (the purple finch and lilac); green the forests; black the granite mountains; white the snow; and red the state’s heroes.

In June 1994, State Representative Stephen Avery, also the first commissioner (executive director) for NHSCOT, arranged for Governor Stephen Merrill to proclaim the tartan as the state tartan of New Hampshire. Avery introduced a bill to the New Hampshire General Court for permanent recognition of the tartan, which was signed into law in May 1995.

Tartan refers to fabric woven into plaid patterns representing clans (families) or regions in Scotland. Tartans can also be designed as a symbol commemorating a special event or person. In old Scotland, the tartan was used for clothing and as a banner or flag. Because a family or community worked the cloth together, their clothing was made of the same patterns, as so a person could be recognized by the Tartan plaid that they wore.

A portion of every New Hampshire Tartan sale will be designated to the NHSCOT Fund to be used for grants and scholarships.

The New Hampshire Tartan is part of a collection of U.S. state tartans, whose colors symbolize features from the state. It was officially signed into law in May of 1995 and is registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans. NHSCOT holds the Copyright for the New Hampshire Tartan, therefore it shall not be reproduced, manufactured, or sold in any form without the express written consent of NHSCOT.

Visit our online store or retail tent at the NH Highland Games & Festival to purchase New Hampshire Tartan products.

Ordering NH Tartan Yardage

Interested in making your own wearables from New Hampshire’s official tartan? We offer a variety of fabric weight options. Made at Lochcarron’s of Scotland. 100% wool.

  • Our 10 oz yardage (59″ width) is a lightweight wool fabric. It has a nice drape and can be used for many types of clothing from skirts to ties. It also works well for pillows and curtains. Cost: $67/yard
  • Our 13 oz yardage (54″ width) is a crisper medium weight which can be used for kilts, trews, other garments as well as for bags and upholstery. Cost: $70/yard
  • Our 16 oz yardage (54″ width) is best for classic and premium kilts. It has many other applications, too. Cost: $75/yard
  • Our Cotton Tartan yardage (60″ wide) is great for decorative decor such as pillows, placemats and curtains.  It is always great for clothing items.  Cost is $35/yard

If you would like to purchase NH tartan yardage, please order in our online store.