Weaving is an age-old tradition that is slowly being lost. Various regions around Greece are known for their specific embroideries. Lefkada is famous for its lace, Arachova for its rugs and kalamata for its silk. These days, mainly elderly women practice this art and try to keep it alive thanks to their strong sense of heritage and tradition.

Central Evia
The Women’s Cooperative of Kymi is weaving up something special! For the past few decades, the cocoons of silkworms have been used as thread to create beautiful embroideries of different sizes and designs. Approximately 15 women take care of some 100,000 silkworms and collect the cocoons they make periodically to use them as thread. Call 22220 23352

Northern Evia
Keeping a regional tradition alive as well as securing a steady income were the two goals set forth when the women’s cooperative of Limni was founded in 1988. Thankfully, twenty-five years later they are still doing both while creating exquisite woven items. Call 22270 32359

Korinthia

Traditional Greek costumes are made by Nikos and Aspasia Dosaras in Loutraki, Call 2744023967

Rethymno
Famous for its weaving and stitching, the area has created a special stitch known as “Rethymnian”. Both Zoniana and Anoghia are famous for their weaving, as is Spili. Anoghia is possibly the most traditional place in Crete to find hand woven materials, made on looms which can be traced back several generations. In these areas the tradition is still very much alive.

Fthiotida

The villages of Opountion are famed for their blankets and designs with names such as Larimneika, Martineika, Kastreika or Exomitara.

Viotia

Weaving is integral to the region’s customs. The Astradenis Weaving Workshop in Lafistio is testiment to this. Visit its open weaving showroom. Call 6937 111081) Another traditional weaving workshop in the region is that of Katina Panagakou at Arahova. Call 22670 31743). They also offer training courses here.

Lakonia

Famous Geraki rugs have been woven here since Ottoman times. These rugs have had acclaim since their prize-winning days at the Vienna World Fair in 1873 and the Athens World Fair in 1888. For more information or to order call 27310 71432

Skyros
Along with woodworking, weaving and embroidery have a long tradition on the island. The villages are proud of their textiles, a disappearing artform. Call 222093100 for other alternative activities on Skyros such as weaving, woodcarving and pottery making.

Ioannina

Weaving, embroidery and other handicrafts are among one of the most evident local traditions passed down through the centuries within the Ioannina region. Hand-made rugs, tapestries, blankets, clothing and just about anything made of fabric decorate the homes, hotels and public buildings throughout the villages which have been making a visible effort to preserve this traditional art. The Carpet Craft School of Delvinaki and the Rizareios Craft School are keeping the tradition alive by offering lessons.

Messinia
Kalamata is known for its silk scarves and handkerchiefs, as well as other woven items. The Monastery of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni is particularly famous for its silk fabrics.

Trikala

You’ll find plenty of woven textiles as you travel through the remote villages of Trikala. Artisans replicate traditional patterns that date back hundreds of years.

Karditsa (Lake Plastira)

The historic village of Petrilo is 30 km southwest of Mousaki at an altitude of 1,200 meters. If you find it, make sure you buy a flocati rug.