Kroj and Lace
Kroj (plural: kroje) is a Czech and Slovak traditional costume featuring elaborate designs, billowing sleeves, and bright colors. This attire embodies a fusion of Western and Eastern influences that have evolved over centuries, resulting in a captivating representation of global pride for Czechs and Slovaks across the globe.
Handmade for both ceremonial and daily wear, kroje can feature intricate embroidered designs and nature motifs unique to regional cultures. Czech and Slovak regional designs often influence each other, resulting in a diverse array of kroj styles. Since the late 1600s, kroje have incorporated handmade elements such as bobbin lace, a tradition meticulously preserved through the centuries and admired worldwide
Bobbin Lace
Bobbin lace is a lacemaking technique that is made by braiding and twisting lengths of thread wound around bobbins and then creating a pattern by weaving them together. It can be made with coarse or fine threads, but different thread thicknesses might require various hooks. Typically, a pattern pinned down onto the pillow determines the placement of the pins.
The bobbin lace is made with the weaving being held in place with pins set in a lace pillow, this is why it is also known as pillow lace. Another name for bobbin lace was bone lace because early bobbins were made of bones or ivory.
Bobbin lace has a deep history within the Czech Republic. The city of Vamberk is famed for its connection to the craft which began in 1642 when Belgian aristocrat Magdalena Grambov introduced it to the local women. In the 19th century, nearly every household in the town was making lace with local merchants selling it at fairs. The town went on and established the first Czech lacemaking school in 1889, and they still strive to preserve the craft. Other regions also celebrate their connection to the lace tradition and there is even a Lace Festival that takes place in the South Bohemian region.
Regional Differences
The Bohemian region refers to the western half of the Czech Republic, and they generally use richer fabrics with more muted colors.
The Moravian region refers to the eastern half of the Czech Republic, and they generally use nice fabrics with brighter colors than Bohemia.
Slovakian Kroj tends to use nice and common fabrics with lots of color.