Mixed Textile Techniques: Making a Belt Pocket *

Teacher: Inna Raud

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Belt pockets have been an essential part of Estonian women's traditional clothing. The pockets were worn under the skirt and were used to store the most necessary and valuable items.

On the first day, we’ll weave a small, decorative fabric that will adorn the front of your pocket. Using traditional techniques and modern tools, you’ll create intricate patterns. The second day will focus on the sewing process, where you’ll carefully select complementary fabrics and assemble your pocket. By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a beautiful and functional piece of traditional Estonian clothing.

Participation in the course does not require you to have previous knowledge of weaving or sewing. 

Teacher Inna Raud is a skilled artisan with a strong academic background. She holds a higher education in handicraft, specializing in native textile, from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy. She furthered her studies by completing a Master’s degree in heritage technology.

Inna Raud is particularly passionate about researching and creating traditional Estonian folk costumes, with a special interest in fabric weaving. Her professional experience includes teaching handicraft at the Olustvere School of Service and Rural Economics. Since 2014, she has served as a lecturer at the TU Viljandi Culture Academy and a mentor instructor at the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union.

Also she has contributed to the field of Estonian folk costume studies through her written work. Her books, including "Vändra kihelkonna rahvarõivad" (Folk Costumes of Vändra Parish), "Pastelde tegemine" (Making Peasant Shoes), and "Pärnumaa rahvarõivad" (Folk Costumes of Pärnu County), have become valuable resources for researchers and enthusiasts alike.

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