Kilinöillä

Kilinöillä, also known as kilinöjen, are a type of traditional Finnish textile art. The craft is characterized by the creation of small, intricate pieces of textile art, typically sewn by hand. The origins of kilinöillä are unclear, but it is believed to have emerged in the mid-20th century in rural Finland.

The term "kilinöillä" is plural, and the word can be translated to " needle sitter" in English. This refers to a tradition where participants sit around a table, taking turns stitching pieces of fabric printed with intricate designs. The primary fabric used in kilinöillä is cotton or linen, which are dyed and printed to produce unique patterns. These patterns may include floral motifs, geometric shapes, or other folk-inspired designs.

The main objective of kilinöillä is to produce decorative items such as pillowcases, tablecloths, and dresses. Practitioners of this craft typically assemble groups called "kilinöönä", which often feature older women as the primary instructors and contributors. The typical length of a kilinöönä gathering ranges from several days to several weeks. Kilinöillä art is highly prized for its spiritual significance and creative expression.

Interests in traditional Finnish crafts such as kilinöillä have increased since the 1970s, largely due to a growing appreciation for cultural heritage. Urbanization and textile mass production led to a decline in local textile art, with writers successfully documenting the revival of kilinöillä. As a result of increased recognition and government support, kilinöillä remains an important cultural tradition in contemporary Finland.