The culture and traditions of Caledonia provide endless inspiration for Scottish tattoo designs. One of the most popular designs for those with Scot bloodlines are thistle tattoos. The following collection of top 65 thistle tattoo ideas are sure to help inspire your Scottish roots for a new tattoo design.
- Realistic Thistle Tattoo Ideas Source: @mike_ehrmann via Instagram Source: @klctattoos via Instagram Source: @sanctuarybodyart via Instagram Source: @kidkraken_tattoos via Instagram Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram Source: @enki_delatierra via Instagram
- Ankle and Lower Leg Thistle Tattoos Source: @effebi_illustration via Instagram Source: @katiejamestattoo via Instagram Source: @lottekroon via Instagram Source: @olin_konig_art via Instagram
- Upper Arm Thistle Tattoos Source: @chrisquigleytattoo via Instagram Source: @colorme.katieleigh via Instagram Source: @jppainter via Instagram Source: @lorianemauer.tattooist via Instagram Source: @luna__tattoo via Instagram Source: @muertattoo via Instagram
- Thistle Tattoo Designs for the Back and Chest Source: @black_pentacle_tattoo via Instagram Source: @derekdresdentattoos via Instagram Source: @haniatattooist_ via Instagram Source: @alika_tattoo_art via Instagram Source: @jennifer_jackal via Instagram Source: @feline_sick via Instagram Source: @jonny_tattoo_rio via Instagram Source: @marlomarquisetattoo via Instagram
- Blackwork Thistle Tattoo Designs Source: @vagabond.ink via Instagram Source: @devilicioustattoo via Instagram Source: @heathertattoos_ via Instagram Source: @lionoflauratattoos via Instagram Source: @alixannacallow via Instagram
- Forearm Thistle Tattoo Ideas Source: @cole.mcink via Instagram Source: @craigmckennatattoo via Instagram Source: @ginger.mermaid.tattoos via Instagram Source: @morganmurray82 via Instagram Source: @nicolekayetattoo via Instagram Source: @notaprettygrrltattoos via Instagram
Source: @stealth_badger via Instagram Source: @violet_graves_tattoo via Instagram Source: @christiansonnetattoo via Instagram Source: @nickole.does.tattoos via Instagram 6. Thistle Leg Tattoo Ideas Source: @anni_langhof_tattoo via Instagram Source: @ag3ntpenguin via Instagram Source: @beniegotattoo via Instagram Source: @rebelkid.de via Instagram Source: @sophieziecarreras via Instagram 7. Side and Rib Thistle Tattoo Ideas Source: @artofdeanbrockert via Instagram Source: @devinevansart via Instagram Source: @emde_marek_donocik via Instagram Source: @nothingsrs via Instagram Source: @queenmabofspells via Instagram Source: @samink_samanthacucchi via Instagram 8. Small Thistle Tattoos Source: @shaunjosephtattoo via Instagram Source: @sofyartz via Instagram Source: @straddles via Instagram Source: @tattoos.by.sztrk via Instagram Source: @twiggzy_tattoos via Instagram Source: @fabled.north.tattoo via Instagram 9. Watercolor Style Thistle Tattoos Source: @dbishoptattoo via Instagram Source: @dbishoptattoo via Instagram Source: @gettininky via Instagram Source: @inkaboutme.akos via Instagram Source: @lemalxtattoos via Instagram Source: @liv_sunniva via Instagram Source: @narinetattoo via Instagram Source: @rebecca_roehl via Instagram
Source: @the_steel_asylum via Instagram Scottish Thistle Meaning The national flower of Scotland, the thistle is admired for its rugged beauty and hardiness as well as epic prickles that often deter even the most ardent plant eaters. From Celtic knot work to the multi-colored tartans that represent the different Scot clans, the thistle can help bring a Scottish themed tattoo to life, whether in fine detailed black and gray or beautifully stylized watercolor ink. Source: @romito_ink614 via Instagram Source: @ricardo_a.m via Instagram
The culture and traditions of Caledonia provide endless inspiration for Scottish tattoo designs. One of the most popular designs for those with Scot bloodlines are thistle tattoos. The following collection of top 65 thistle tattoo ideas are sure to help inspire your Scottish roots for a new tattoo design.
- Realistic Thistle Tattoo Ideas Source: @mike_ehrmann via Instagram Source: @klctattoos via Instagram Source: @sanctuarybodyart via Instagram Source: @kidkraken_tattoos via Instagram Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram Source: @enki_delatierra via Instagram
- Ankle and Lower Leg Thistle Tattoos Source: @effebi_illustration via Instagram Source: @katiejamestattoo via Instagram Source: @lottekroon via Instagram Source: @olin_konig_art via Instagram
- Upper Arm Thistle Tattoos Source: @chrisquigleytattoo via Instagram Source: @colorme.katieleigh via Instagram Source: @jppainter via Instagram Source: @lorianemauer.tattooist via Instagram Source: @luna__tattoo via Instagram Source: @muertattoo via Instagram
- Thistle Tattoo Designs for the Back and Chest Source: @black_pentacle_tattoo via Instagram Source: @derekdresdentattoos via Instagram Source: @haniatattooist_ via Instagram Source: @alika_tattoo_art via Instagram Source: @jennifer_jackal via Instagram Source: @feline_sick via Instagram Source: @jonny_tattoo_rio via Instagram Source: @marlomarquisetattoo via Instagram
- Blackwork Thistle Tattoo Designs Source: @vagabond.ink via Instagram Source: @devilicioustattoo via Instagram Source: @heathertattoos_ via Instagram Source: @lionoflauratattoos via Instagram Source: @alixannacallow via Instagram
- Forearm Thistle Tattoo Ideas Source: @cole.mcink via Instagram Source: @craigmckennatattoo via Instagram Source: @ginger.mermaid.tattoos via Instagram Source: @morganmurray82 via Instagram Source: @nicolekayetattoo via Instagram Source: @notaprettygrrltattoos via Instagram
Source: @stealth_badger via Instagram Source: @violet_graves_tattoo via Instagram Source: @christiansonnetattoo via Instagram Source: @nickole.does.tattoos via Instagram 6. Thistle Leg Tattoo Ideas Source: @anni_langhof_tattoo via Instagram Source: @ag3ntpenguin via Instagram Source: @beniegotattoo via Instagram Source: @rebelkid.de via Instagram Source: @sophieziecarreras via Instagram 7. Side and Rib Thistle Tattoo Ideas Source: @artofdeanbrockert via Instagram Source: @devinevansart via Instagram Source: @emde_marek_donocik via Instagram Source: @nothingsrs via Instagram Source: @queenmabofspells via Instagram Source: @samink_samanthacucchi via Instagram 8. Small Thistle Tattoos Source: @shaunjosephtattoo via Instagram Source: @sofyartz via Instagram Source: @straddles via Instagram Source: @tattoos.by.sztrk via Instagram Source: @twiggzy_tattoos via Instagram Source: @fabled.north.tattoo via Instagram 9. Watercolor Style Thistle Tattoos Source: @dbishoptattoo via Instagram Source: @dbishoptattoo via Instagram Source: @gettininky via Instagram Source: @inkaboutme.akos via Instagram Source: @lemalxtattoos via Instagram Source: @liv_sunniva via Instagram Source: @narinetattoo via Instagram Source: @rebecca_roehl via Instagram
Source: @the_steel_asylum via Instagram Scottish Thistle Meaning The national flower of Scotland, the thistle is admired for its rugged beauty and hardiness as well as epic prickles that often deter even the most ardent plant eaters. From Celtic knot work to the multi-colored tartans that represent the different Scot clans, the thistle can help bring a Scottish themed tattoo to life, whether in fine detailed black and gray or beautifully stylized watercolor ink. Source: @romito_ink614 via Instagram Source: @ricardo_a.m via Instagram
The culture and traditions of Caledonia provide endless inspiration for Scottish tattoo designs.
One of the most popular designs for those with Scot bloodlines are thistle tattoos.
The following collection of top 65 thistle tattoo ideas are sure to help inspire your Scottish roots for a new tattoo design.
1. Realistic Thistle Tattoo Ideas
Source: @mike_ehrmann via Instagram
Source: @klctattoos via Instagram
Source: @sanctuarybodyart via Instagram
Source: @kidkraken_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @the.studio.tattoo via Instagram
Source: @enki_delatierra via Instagram
2. Ankle and Lower Leg Thistle Tattoos
Source: @effebi_illustration via Instagram
Source: @katiejamestattoo via Instagram
Source: @lottekroon via Instagram
Source: @olin_konig_art via Instagram
2. Upper Arm Thistle Tattoos
Source: @chrisquigleytattoo via Instagram
Source: @colorme.katieleigh via Instagram
Source: @jppainter via Instagram
Source: @lorianemauer.tattooist via Instagram
Source: @luna__tattoo via Instagram
Source: @muertattoo via Instagram
3. Thistle Tattoo Designs for the Back and Chest
Source: @black_pentacle_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @derekdresdentattoos via Instagram
Source: @haniatattooist_ via Instagram
Source: @alika_tattoo_art via Instagram
Source: @jennifer_jackal via Instagram
Source: @feline_sick via Instagram
Source: @jonny_tattoo_rio via Instagram
Source: @marlomarquisetattoo via Instagram
4. Blackwork Thistle Tattoo Designs
Source: @vagabond.ink via Instagram
Source: @devilicioustattoo via Instagram
Source: @heathertattoos_ via Instagram
Source: @lionoflauratattoos via Instagram
Source: @alixannacallow via Instagram
5. Forearm Thistle Tattoo Ideas
Source: @cole.mcink via Instagram
Source: @craigmckennatattoo via Instagram
Source: @ginger.mermaid.tattoos via Instagram
Source: @morganmurray82 via Instagram
Source: @nicolekayetattoo via Instagram
Source: @notaprettygrrltattoos via Instagram
Source: @stealth_badger via Instagram
Source: @violet_graves_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @christiansonnetattoo via Instagram
Source: @nickole.does.tattoos via Instagram
6. Thistle Leg Tattoo Ideas
Source: @anni_langhof_tattoo via Instagram
Source: @ag3ntpenguin via Instagram
Source: @beniegotattoo via Instagram
Source: @rebelkid.de via Instagram
Source: @sophieziecarreras via Instagram
7. Side and Rib Thistle Tattoo Ideas
Source: @artofdeanbrockert via Instagram
Source: @devinevansart via Instagram
Source: @emde_marek_donocik via Instagram
Source: @nothingsrs via Instagram
Source: @queenmabofspells via Instagram
Source: @samink_samanthacucchi via Instagram
8. Small Thistle Tattoos
Source: @shaunjosephtattoo via Instagram
Source: @sofyartz via Instagram
Source: @straddles via Instagram
Source: @tattoos.by.sztrk via Instagram
Source: @twiggzy_tattoos via Instagram
Source: @fabled.north.tattoo via Instagram
9. Watercolor Style Thistle Tattoos
Source: @dbishoptattoo via Instagram
Source: @gettininky via Instagram
Source: @inkaboutme.akos via Instagram
Source: @lemalxtattoos via Instagram
Source: @liv_sunniva via Instagram
Source: @narinetattoo via Instagram
Source: @rebecca_roehl via Instagram
Source: @the_steel_asylum via Instagram
Scottish Thistle Meaning
The national flower of Scotland, the thistle is admired for its rugged beauty and hardiness as well as epic prickles that often deter even the most ardent plant eaters.
From Celtic knot work to the multi-colored tartans that represent the different Scot clans, the thistle can help bring a Scottish themed tattoo to life, whether in fine detailed black and gray or beautifully stylized watercolor ink.
Source: @romito_ink614 via Instagram
Source: @ricardo_a.m via Instagram
What does a thistle tattoo symbolize?
A thistle tattoo is the perfect way to demonstrate pride in having Scottish bloodlines. The Scottish thistle has a long and storied history in the Gaelic nation, with one tale even giving credit to the humble flower for foiling a Viking invasion in the 1300’s. The national flower of the Scots, the thistle has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Scottish tattoo convention.
What style of thistle tattoo should I get?
The thistle provides excellent material to work with for versatility in design style and application technique. Their spiky nature and mix of color – purple for the bulb, and hardy green stalk – give each tattoo artist creative avenues such as watercolor technique or very delicate single needle ink depictions. Thistles also produce fantastic realism style designs that look like they could give you a prickle if you reached out to pluck them from the subject. Also, thistle tattoos can work bunched or tied with tartan, or as a single expression running along the forearm, wrist or calf.
What are some other popular Scottish tattoos ideas to combine with a thistle? Combining a mixture of themes with a Scottish thistle can add more layers to your tattoo design. Some popular Scottish tattoo symbols and themes include:
The Scotland Flag Scottish tartan Football club logos Family/clan names The Lion Rampant of Scotland Traditional Celtic symbols such as the Celtic Knot
What does a tartan tattoo represent?
Tartans were used by the different clans in the region to differentiate from each other and express pride in their respective groups, and they’re still deployed as traditional aspect of Scottish life. Today, with the development in tattooing skills they can be made to look almost like the real thing. A tartan tattoo can be made to represent the wearer’s pride in their clan or simply demonstrate the importance of Scottish heritage in their life.
Where should I place my thistle tattoo?
The bulbous head of the thistle is matched by the long, often spiky stem and leaves, which naturally gives it a design advantage where longer tattoos are placed. The wrist, inner forearm, outer bicep, and lower leg are all popular placements. Other areas in which a stylized thistle tattoo might complement the flow of muscle include the center back area, the upper chest between collar bone and shoulder, or even along the ribs and side.
What does a thistle tattoo symbolize?
A thistle tattoo is the perfect way to demonstrate pride in having Scottish bloodlines. The Scottish thistle has a long and storied history in the Gaelic nation, with one tale even giving credit to the humble flower for foiling a Viking invasion in the 1300’s. The national flower of the Scots, the thistle has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Scottish tattoo convention.
A thistle tattoo is the perfect way to demonstrate pride in having Scottish bloodlines.
The Scottish thistle has a long and storied history in the Gaelic nation, with one tale even giving credit to the humble flower for foiling a Viking invasion in the 1300’s.
The national flower of the Scots, the thistle has become an instantly recognizable symbol of Scottish tattoo convention.
What style of thistle tattoo should I get?
The thistle provides excellent material to work with for versatility in design style and application technique. Their spiky nature and mix of color – purple for the bulb, and hardy green stalk – give each tattoo artist creative avenues such as watercolor technique or very delicate single needle ink depictions. Thistles also produce fantastic realism style designs that look like they could give you a prickle if you reached out to pluck them from the subject. Also, thistle tattoos can work bunched or tied with tartan, or as a single expression running along the forearm, wrist or calf.
The thistle provides excellent material to work with for versatility in design style and application technique.
Their spiky nature and mix of color – purple for the bulb, and hardy green stalk – give each tattoo artist creative avenues such as watercolor technique or very delicate single needle ink depictions.
Thistles also produce fantastic realism style designs that look like they could give you a prickle if you reached out to pluck them from the subject.
Also, thistle tattoos can work bunched or tied with tartan, or as a single expression running along the forearm, wrist or calf.
What are some other popular Scottish tattoos ideas to combine with a thistle? Combining a mixture of themes with a Scottish thistle can add more layers to your tattoo design. Some popular Scottish tattoo symbols and themes include:
The Scotland Flag Scottish tartan Football club logos Family/clan names The Lion Rampant of Scotland Traditional Celtic symbols such as the Celtic Knot
What are some other popular Scottish tattoos ideas to combine with a thistle?
Combining a mixture of themes with a Scottish thistle can add more layers to your tattoo design. Some popular Scottish tattoo symbols and themes include:
The Scotland Flag
Scottish tartan
Football club logos
Family/clan names
The Lion Rampant of Scotland
Traditional Celtic symbols such as the Celtic Knot
What does a tartan tattoo represent?
Tartans were used by the different clans in the region to differentiate from each other and express pride in their respective groups, and they’re still deployed as traditional aspect of Scottish life. Today, with the development in tattooing skills they can be made to look almost like the real thing. A tartan tattoo can be made to represent the wearer’s pride in their clan or simply demonstrate the importance of Scottish heritage in their life.
Tartans were used by the different clans in the region to differentiate from each other and express pride in their respective groups, and they’re still deployed as traditional aspect of Scottish life.
Today, with the development in tattooing skills they can be made to look almost like the real thing.
A tartan tattoo can be made to represent the wearer’s pride in their clan or simply demonstrate the importance of Scottish heritage in their life.
Where should I place my thistle tattoo?
The bulbous head of the thistle is matched by the long, often spiky stem and leaves, which naturally gives it a design advantage where longer tattoos are placed. The wrist, inner forearm, outer bicep, and lower leg are all popular placements. Other areas in which a stylized thistle tattoo might complement the flow of muscle include the center back area, the upper chest between collar bone and shoulder, or even along the ribs and side.
The bulbous head of the thistle is matched by the long, often spiky stem and leaves, which naturally gives it a design advantage where longer tattoos are placed. The wrist, inner forearm, outer bicep, and lower leg are all popular placements.
Other areas in which a stylized thistle tattoo might complement the flow of muscle include the center back area, the upper chest between collar bone and shoulder, or even along the ribs and side.
