Official State Tartan of Illinois
The Illinois Saint Andrew Society tartan was designated the official tartan of the state of Illinois in 2012. All State Tartans
According to Chicago Scots; "The Governors chose a field of blue and white, representing the flag of Scotland. White was also reminiscent of the Illinois state flag’s background. Green was incorporated for its representation of the Scottish homeland and a touch of red was a nod to the red, white and blue of the United States flag. Finally, a strand of gold for its association with the eagle on our state flag."
What is a Tartan?
Tartan is defined as a cloth with a twill weave, usually made of wool, using a unique pattern of multicolored stripes in both directions, and accepted by some group as "theirs." Tartans represent clans (families) or regions in Scotland.
In old Scotland, the tartan was used for clothing. Because a family or community worked the cloth together, their clothing was made of the same patterns. In the eighteenth century Clan Tartans were adopted and a person could be recognized by the tartan they wore. Tartans can also be designed as a symbol to commemorate a special event or person.
A tartan pattern is traditionally called a "sett." When woven, the sett is mirrored in all directions and defined by a particular thread count.