Additional materials with information about traditional embroidery and folk costumes
Press 3 lines below, to expand the menu - list of regions:
Menu
Haft kaszubski
Kashubian Embroidery Classics in many forms
Kashubian embroidery is one of the most popular regional embroideries in Poland. It is very diverse because it is divided into several schools which, although they share common elements in the form of common colors and motifs, differ from each other. The most famous and popular is the seven-colored Żukowo school, but one can also distinguish the Wdzydze school, Puck school, Wejherowo school, the differently colored Borowiak and Tuchola schools, as well as the youngest and probably least known - the Gdańsk school.
The technique of Kashubian embroidery is not very complicated - it is based on flat embroidery, cord stitch, and Janina stitch. Embroideries are usually made on linen fabric. For finishing napkins, hemstitching, fringes, and satin or crocheted edging are used. A more demanding type of Kashubian embroidery is the bonnet embroidery. The oldest Kashubian goldwork - that is bonnets, were ordered from nuns in Żukowo and Żarnowiec. Decorative embroideries on velvet bands and tops were made with raised embroidery, using gold or silver threads.
Colors. In Kashubian embroidery there are seven main colors light blue, medium blue, dark sapphire, yellow, red, green, black. Each school has a slightly different set of colors. The Wdzydze school used the most colors, with up to seventeen colors appearing in their embroideries.
Motifs The motifs can be divided into those native to the region, such as bluebells, cornflowers, forget-me-nots, lilies, roses, pansies, carnations, and daisies, as well as those that came from distant countries: tulips, pomegranate fruits, and acanthus leaves. Associated with decorative symbolism, they were initially used by nuns, and over time also found their important place in colorful Kashubian embroidery.
The beetle and the bee are probably motifs derived from ancient folk beliefs. Tuchola School. Embroidery: Danuta Landmesser
Kashubian embroidery - Puck school - visible sea waves and nets
Kashubian embroidery - Wejherowo school. Photo: Tomasz Słomczyński/Magazyn Kaszuby
The presence of Kashubian embroidery is owed to the Norbertine nuns, who were brought to Pomerania as early as 1212. Among their many activities, the nuns ran a school for wealthy young ladies. After the dissolution of the order in 1834, they decided to teach embroidery to local girls as well. The students made napkins, towels, aprons, and blouses. Many people, especially women, contributed to preserving and developing this tradition. They organized workshops, embroidery circles, created patterns, and maintained the quality of works. They also helped with sales. Thanks to their activity, there are so many varieties of Kashubian embroidery.
Show the world that it's worth learning about regional traditions
Take a photo of how you use motifs from the pattern book and tag @szkolahaftu in your social media. Add hashtags #regionalnyczwartek and #wzornikszkołyhaftu.
Let's discover together the beauty of regional embroidery!