Olympia Tartan - Viscose Fabric

Tartan is a wardrobe classic, and this one is a beauty. Deep green and black form the base, crossed with fine lines in red and yellow, for a traditional look that works for all sorts of makes.

How it feels and wears

The fabric is soft against the skin, and strong and resilient, so it copes with everyday wear and keeps its shape. The colour is rich and holds up well, which is useful for a dark tartan that you’ll want to look sharp. The wide width leaves plenty of room to cut, so pleated skirts and wide-leg trousers are easy to lay out.

What to make

• Skirts and dresses: pleated skirts, pinafores, shirt dresses and A-line styles
• Trousers and shorts: tailored trousers, culottes and shorts
• Jackets: shackets, waistcoats and lightweight jackets
• Children’s clothes: pinafores, skirts and dungarees
• Home décor and crafts: cushions, throws and other creative projects

Sewing tips for tartan:

• Wash gently before cutting, to check how it behaves
• Cut single layer, and match the lines at side seams, centre fronts and pockets
• Buy a little extra fabric for matching, usually 10 to 15%
• Choose a medium needle and a medium stitch length
• Neaten seams to stop fraying, with French seams, an overlocker, a zigzag stitch or bias binding
• Press on a low to medium heat, on the reverse, with a pressing cloth

• Width: 150cm/60" (approx)
• Composition: Polyester and Viscose blend (add the percentages)
• Fabric Type: Poly viscose
• Colour: Green, Red, Yellow

✔Machine washable at 30°C, on a gentle cycle
✔Wash with similar colours
✔Do not use bleach
✔Do not tumble dry
✔Dry flat or line dry
✔Iron on a low to medium heat, on the reverse
✔Always test a small sample first to check your preferred washing method