Kuotti

Kuotti is the Swedish term for a traditional type of Eiderdown quilt originating from Savo, a region in northeastern Finland and southern Sweden. Eiderducks, also known as Common Eiders (Somateria mollissima), inhabit the coastal areas of the two countries. The eider ducks' down feathers are a highly valued material for making eiderdown quilts, highly prized for their exceptional warmth, lightweight, and loft.

Kuotti is constructed using the eiderdown feathers, often with other insulating materials, sewn together within a linen or cotton casing. The traditional method of acquiring the necessary eiderdown involves manually extracting the softest and warmest feathers from the ducks' belly area. Locals would often obtain the eiderdown feathers during the summer, collecting the intact nests or simply plucking them from empty ones.

Historically, kuotti served as a valuable means of insulating traditional Finnish and Swedish clothing, including warm hats and muffs. Its exceptional warmth was considered necessary for daily life, especially during the subarctic conditions prevalent in the regions. While their use declined as a traditional craft, kuotti's association with chilly climates and local know-how remains. Some designs, revived in contemporary contexts, aim to honor the heritage of these highly labor-intensive textiles. Eiderdown products of high quality continue being manufactured and highly sought after today.