Tartan fabric, also known as plaid, is a distinctively patterned cloth with criss-crossing horizontal and vertical lines in multiple colours.

 It's traditionally made from wool but can now be found in various materials.

Key features of tartan fabric:

Pattern: The hallmark of tartan is its unique pattern of intersecting lines, known as a "sett."

Each sett has a specific sequence of colours and line widths, creating a unique visual identity.

Colours: Tartans come in a wide range of colours, from muted earth tones to vibrant hues.

Traditionally, natural dyes were used, but modern synthetic dyes allow for a broader spectrum of colours.  

Weave: Tartan is typically woven in a twill pattern, which creates a diagonal texture in the fabric. This weave adds to the fabric's durability and gives it a distinctive look.