kootud

Kootud is the Estonian term for knitted fabric or knitted items and functions as the past participle of the verb kootma, meaning to knit. In everyday Estonian, kootud describes garments, accessories, textiles, or textures produced by knitting.

Knitting creates fabric from interlocking loops of yarn using needles or knitting machines. Common knit structures include stockinette, garter, and rib, each with distinct appearance and stretch. Flat knitting produces wide fabrics; circular knitting yields tubes such as sweaters and scarves. Knitted fabrics are typically elastic and warm.

Materials vary: wool, cotton, and synthetic fibers are common, with blends used to balance warmth, drape, and care requirements. Yarn thickness and fiber content determine gauge, texture, and the final feel of kootud items.

Applications include sweaters, shawls, socks, hats, mittens, blankets, and home textiles. Knitted textiles are valued for warmth, flexibility, and the potential for complex colorwork and textures, from simple stockinette to intricate patterns.

Estonian knitting has a long tradition, influencing contemporary design and crafts in the region. Traditional motifs and techniques appear in modern kootud garments, reflecting local textile heritage and a continued interest in handmade and artisanal knitting.