Nordic Textile Traditions

This program, for those interested in Nordic craft, history, design, and cultural heritage, offers an engaging experience that covers the history, techniques, cultural meanings, and contemporary evolution of Scandinavian textiles. It is based on the rich tradition of historical textile practices and examples of Scandinavian textile heritage from long-time personal collections.

The Scandinavian countries, with their limited growing seasons and topography, gave rise to clothing and textile techniques with a unique history. Everyday knitting and weaving done in rural Nordic homes is also some of the most beautiful in the world.

Beginning with a historical overview of the fibers, construction, and decorative techniques of handcrafted Nordic textiles, the program includes a discussion of knits, woven cloth, dyes, and the designs for garments and household linens. Participants will have the opportunity to examine historical items on display, and are invited to bring an item from their own collection and share its history.

The program also explores how traditions evolved to become well-known Scandinavian clothing and textile designs and brands that are popular today, worldwide.

About the Program Facilitator

Sandra Ericson is a textile enthusiast and collector with a Swedish family history. She taught Introductory Textiles at City College of San Francisco for many years and was a member of the Textile Study Group at the De Young Museum for some time. She will show examples of textile art from her family and others in her collection.