Quote Originally Posted by figheadair View Post
The idea that 18th century tartan was always dull is a fallacy. Those that could afford it would generally opt for the best and brightest shades.

With regard to your question, I think you mean/should be referring to, staining tartan rather than dyeing it. The former will tone down a pattern, the latter will alter it and depending on the colour and weight of dyestuff, obscure the design.

If you want to dull down a red based tartan you could steep the cloth in a bath of weak tea or coffe and that should dow the trick. Worth trying with a similar swatch before going the whole hog.
It's true that there were those who could afford bright colors and those people wanted to stand out, but most people were very poor and (don't quote me on this) often use their tartan as camouflage while hunting so they would choose more earthy browns,tans, and grays. Of course this is just what I've heard, I could be completely wrong.

I was thinking dye would work better for what I'm looking for cuz I want the red a more brownish color. Plus I tried coffee on a tartan swatch but it didn't take.