slöjd

Slöjd is the Swedish word for handicraft, referring to the practice of making objects by hand or with simple tools. It encompasses a range of disciplines, including woodworking, metalwork, sewing, textiles, knitting, weaving, ceramics, and related crafts. The subject emphasizes planning and executing projects from concept to completed object, with attention to aesthetics, function, and safety.

In Swedish education, slöjd is a standard subject in the compulsory school system. Students learn through hands-on projects, developing manual skills, problem-solving, and creative thinking. Lessons typically introduce safe handling of tools, measurement, and material properties, and assessment considers both the process and the final product.

Historically, slöjd draws on craft traditions and artisanal practices in the region and has evolved into a formal school subject during the 19th and 20th centuries. In contemporary curricula, slöjd often intersects with design education, sustainability, and technology, incorporating new materials and digital tools where appropriate while retaining a focus on making and practical problem-solving.

The practice plays a role in cultural heritage and personal development, offering students opportunities to make useful objects, explore materials, and express ideas. It coexists with art and domestic sciences in broad approaches to creativity and practical knowledge.