käsityö

Käsityö is the Finnish word for handicraft or craftwork. In everyday use it denotes work created by hand or with simple tools, combining technical skill, design, and personal expression. The concept covers a broad range of activities, from traditional folk crafts to contemporary handmade products. Common areas include textile crafts (neulonta, virkkaus, ompelu, kudonta, kirjonta), woodwork (puutyö), metalwork (metallityö), ceramics, glassmaking, jewelry making, and various paper crafts.

Käsityö has deep cultural roots in Finland, where regional patterns and techniques have been passed down through generations. Historically, households produced much of their clothing, household textiles, and tools by hand; today much käsityö is pursued as a hobby, an art form, or a small-scale profession. While some practitioners sell through markets, galleries, or online shops, the defining feature is the hand-driven or small-batch nature of production.

In education, käsityö is a common subject in Finnish schools, aimed at developing practical skills, design thinking, and problem solving, alongside sustainability and craftsmanship appreciation. The modern scene includes studios, collectives, and associations that preserve traditional methods while exploring new materials and forms. Sustainability and ethical production are increasingly emphasized, with attention to local sourcing, repairs, upcycling, and durable design.