Lõimitust

Lõimitust is a term used in Estonian to describe the process of interlacing threads to form textiles or decorative surfaces. The word stems from lõim-, a root associated with weaving and interlacing, with the suffix -itus marking a process or state. In practice, lõimitust can refer both to the technique of interlacing warp and weft and to the resulting fabric or motif, especially within traditional and contemporary textile crafts.

In traditional Estonian craft, lõimitus is central to loom weaving, tablet weaving, and braiding, where patterns are produced by interlacing different threads. It is commonly used to describe interlaced bands, belts, and textiles featuring geometric or folkloric motifs. In modern textile art, practitioners may explore more complex interlacing structures, combining natural and synthetic fibers to create textured surfaces and three-dimensional effects through lõimitus.

Compared with other textile techniques, lõimitus is distinguished by its structural construction from interlaced threads rather than surface stitching. It relates to related concepts such as lõimimine (weaving/interlacing) and lõimikud (interlaced patterns) but remains relatively specialized, primarily appearing in craft literature, museums, and academic contexts. The term is less common in everyday language, where 'lõim' or 'lõimimine' is often used instead.