Pletené

Pletené is a Czech adjective meaning knitted or plaited, used to describe fabrics, garments, and objects produced by knitting or braiding yarn, thread, or other fibers. The term is commonly used in everyday language as well as in textile and craft contexts to identify a technique-based origin of a material or item.

The production method distinguishes pletené textiles from other fabric kinds. Knitting creates fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with one or more needles, which often results in a stretchy, warm fabric. This contrasts with tkané (woven) textiles, made by interlacing warp and weft yarns, and háčkované (crocheted) fabrics, formed with a single hook and distinct stitch structure. Pletené fabrics can be produced in flat pieces or in tubes (in the round), and they offer a range of textures and patterns depending on stitch choices and yarns.

Common pletené items include clothing such as sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, and socks, as well as accessories and home textiles like blankets and cushion covers. Pletené vzory (knitting patterns) range from simple rib and stockinette to more complex cables and lace, enabling a wide variety of textures on different garments.

Care instructions for pletené items typically emphasize gentle handling. Many knits are best washed on a delicate or wool cycle, dried flat to maintain shape, and protected from high heat to prevent shrinking or felting. Proper storage helps prevent stretching or deforming.

In cultural contexts, knitting has a long-standing presence in Czech and broader Central European craft traditions, reflecting both practical utility and artisanal heritage.