Sewing a Kihnu pocket

September 18, 2026 at the Harju County Heritage Centre
Register for the course through the Harju County Heritage Center: harjumaaparimuskeskus@gmail.com.

Estonian women's folk costumes have been without pockets. But since women also needed to carry some useful items, an open pocket was sewn. It was a trapezoidal or rectangular open pocket that was tied with ribbons around itself under the skirt so that the pocket remained above the skirt hem. This made it easy to get the necessary items through the opening. The pocket was used to store necessary items, especially money and keys, as well as a needle case, a hairbrush, a handkerchief and other smaller items.

Earlier Kihnu pockets were made from old embroidered bonnets. In the workshop we will sew a pocket that began to be sewn in Kihnu in the first half of the 20th century – from pieces of twill(sitsi) fabric. The pocket is tied around the body with a pocket strap sewn from twill(sitsi) fabric. If desired, a modern addition can be added to the pocket - a zipper, so that what is hidden in the pocket remains secure.

We will meet on a weekday evening (4 academic hours). You can choose from many beautiful fabrics to sew a Kihnu pocket. All materials are included in the price of the workshop. All participants in the training will receive a comprehensive manual with drawings on how to sew a pocket.