Workshop "Plaited Ribbons"

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Teacher: Mari Pukk

Mari Pukk (b 1968) graduated from the Olustvere School of Service and Rural Economics in 2010, specialising in native textile crafts and has later worked at the same school as a teacher of textile crafts. She has also worked as an editor for the magazine Käsitöö, edited handicraft textbooks and conducted handicraft training courses. In 2019, she graduated from the University of Tartu Viljandi Culture Academy with a degree in Estonian Native Textiles. Based on her research on printed fabrics, she has recently established a small textile design company HYLDA, which aims to reproduce old patterns and create new ones for use in traditional clothing.

During the workshop various Estonian traditional plaiting techniques will be introduced. The most wide-spread kind of plaited ribbons in Estonian folk textile are woolen garters for stockings, worn both by men and women. Plaited ribbons and belts have also played an important role in rituals and wedding traditions. Ribbons were used to bind different gifts for relatives and guests. The ribbon plaiting tradition is still alive on the island of Kihnu, an area where the traditions of native crafts and folk costumes are still strong. Plaited ribbons are still used in traditional ways - as gifts in Kihnu weddings, as well as for fastening belt pockets and aprons.

Ribbons made in the workshop are mainly based on Kihnu traditions. The workshop starts with simpler braiding techniques and continue with plaited garters techniques - plain weave and twill weave – and different patterns (zigzag, diagonal, fishbone). Participants have possibility to braid a key chain, decorative ribbon, belt, or to create their own idea. Finished ribbons will be decorated with cotton tassels, glass beads, and metal coins.

The materials used in the workshop include woollen yarns, glass beads, cotton fabric scraps, decorative metal coins and metal hooks. The participation fee includes the materials for samples and one full-size ribbon.

Workshop is suitable for beginners and also for children (older than 10 years).