A Year of Reflection, Unity, and Hope

 

In 2026, the United States will reach a remarkable milestone — 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

 

Across the country, communities big and small are gearing up for a yearlong celebration. From Philadelphia, where it all began, to every corner of the nation, the United States Semiquincentennial — known as America250 — calls on Americans and friends everywhere to reflect on the ideals of liberty, resilience, and unity. These values have shaped the country’s past and continue to inspire its future.

This anniversary is not just a commemoration, but a chance to look forward with hope, to celebrate the threads that bind people together, and to share in the enduring promise of freedom that will carry on for generations to come.

 

〜 〜 〜

 

In light of this historic occasion, I am delighted to unveil the final rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner tartan — more than a decade in the making and officially registered as a tribute to the enduring spirit of the American flag and its national anthem.

This tartan — and its dual design — celebrates the United States Semiquincentennial, honoring a remarkable quarter-millennium of liberty, resilience, and unity that shapes the nation’s past, present, and future.

 

〜 〜 〜

 

The Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814)

 

 

 

 

 

---

The Tartan:
A Woven Tribute —
to an Enduring Symbol of Freedom

Creating the Star-Spangled Banner tartan — in its two complementary variants with its twin rationales — has been a deeply personal journey.

Officially registered at the Scottish Register of Tartans on Independence Day, July 4, 2021 — the 245th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence — this tartan, Registration Number #13214, is my homage to the flag that inspired America’s national anthem.

It stands as a symbol of hope, resilience, and unity — a woven reminder of the values that continue to resonate across time and place.

 

 

 

---

Inspiration and Historical Significance

The tartan honours the legendary Star-Spangled Banner — the great garrison flag that flew over Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in September 1814.

As British warships bombarded the fort for 25 hours, the flag still flying at dawn gave Francis Scott Key the inspiration to write the poem Defence of Fort M'Henry, which became the United States’ national anthem.

 

"O say can you see, by the dawn’s early light..."

 

The design captures the drama of that night and the spirit of a nation, celebrating the flag’s past ...and its present.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

The Modern Colours: Red, White, and Blue

The tartan’s contemporary colour palette is drawn directly from today’s American flag, each hue carrying its own profound meaning:

• Red – Hardiness and Valor

• White – Purity and Innocence

• Blue – Vigilance, Perseverance, and Justice
  
  

Every thread is woven with purpose, echoing the ideals enshrined in the flag.

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

The Sett: Stars and Stripes in Thread

This tartan is my visual tribute to the Stars and Stripes. Each color and thread is carefully chosen to reflect the spirit and story of America.

• Broad Red & White Stripes (13 threads each): These bold stripes honour the original thirteen colonies — the foundation upon which the nation was built.
  
  

• 15 Red & 15 Blue Threads: This pairing represents the 15 stripes and 15 stars that adorned the flag in 1814 during a pivotal moment in American history.
  
  

• 50 Navy Threads: A field of deep navy threads reflects the modern flag’s “union” representing today’s 50 states, symbolizing the nation’s unity and continuous journey.
  
  

• Twinkling Stars: Fine white threads woven in to catch the light evoke five-pointed stars, a nod to those that shone above Fort McHenry and inspired the anthem—a quiet reminder of hope and aspiration.
  
  

Navy and red converge, woven with scarlet to capture the fierce energy of the Battle of Baltimore — embodying the vivid “rockets’ red glare” in thread.

 

 

 

---

Hidden Secrets and Deeper Meaning

Within the pattern, four solid white squares mysteriously appeared where the broad white stripes cross. Although discovered rather than intentionally designed, these nod to the four cornerstones of the White House and symbolically represent the Constitution.

〜 〜 〜

In 1792, the first White House cornerstone was laid — only to vanish mysteriously within 24 hours.

〜 〜 〜

These woven ‘cornerstones’ honour those foundations and stand as a quiet reminder of the hope that the “People’s House” remains open and welcoming for all, now and in the future.

 

 

 

---

Smithsonian Institution and Registration

The original Star-Spangled Banner — an impressive 30 by 42-foot flag — is preserved at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.

With kind permission granted in 2020, and following confirmation of approval from the Smithsonian Institution, the tartan officially known as Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814) was registered with the Scottish Register of Tartans on July 4, 2021.

〜 〜 〜

Note: the Smithsonian Institution does not formally endorse this tartan.

 

 

 

 

---

The Artist’s Inspiration

My journey to this tartan began in 2014 with my earlier creation: a tartan to celebrate the Declaration of Scottish Independence, Arbroath 1320. That was a woven tribute to Scotland’s heritage and its ancient claim to freedom.

That project lit the spark — a vision to one day honour the United States with its own tartan. This plaid carries revolutionary significance, honouring freedom, sovereignty, and independence.

It celebrates a shared spirit between the U.S. and Scotland — a connection rooted in history, rebellion, and the pursuit of liberty.

 

 

 

---

A Living Legacy

As the nation marks the journey toward America’s Semiquincentennial and beyond, the Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814) Tartan stands as:

• A living work of art
• A bridge between history and today
• An enduring symbol of liberty and unity
  
  

May it serve as a lasting reminder of the courage, hope, and vision that have shaped the United States — inspiring all who hold freedom close to their hearts, now and for generations to come.

 

 

 

---

Official Registration Summary

 

• Created by Steven Patrick Sim, The Tartan Artisan®
• Tartan Name: Star-Spangled Banner (Flag of 1814)
• Registration Number: #13214
• Category: Commemorative
• Created: September 14, 2014
• Registered: July 4, 2021

 

 

 

“O say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?”