Maagelõng ja kiritriibud

WOVEN PATTERNS IN RED in Estonian Folk Textiles explores a distinctive weaving tradition found in Eastern, Southeastern, and Southern Estonia. The booklet focuses on maagelõng — a highly valued red cotton yarn historically used for decorative pick-up patterns on linen fabrics. The publication introduces the history and possible origins of maagelõng, including its connection with Turkey red dyeing and madder root. It also presents traditional weaving methods in which long floating weft patterns were created on a plain weave ground, either by hand-picking the pattern or by using a drawloom. Based on historical textiles preserved in Estonian museums, the booklet includes a collection of weaving drafts suitable for countermarch looms and drawlooms. The patterns range from simple 4-shaft designs to more complex structures using multiple pattern shafts, offering both historical insight and practical inspiration for contemporary weavers.