Muhu jacket summer course 2027
The language of this course is English
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Muhu jacket sewing summer course July 5-11, 2027 on Muhu island.
We invite you to a week-long craft course on the enchanting Island of Muhu in Estonia, to sew your own national Muhu summer jacket. This course is primarily intended to introduce non-Estonians to the rich cultural heritage of Muhu Island. The language of this course is English.
Registration opens in November 2026
The small island of Muhu is known for its rich and colorful textile heritage and excellent craftsmen. During the week, each participant will make a Muhu jacket or vest from cotton fabric, with a thin cotton lining, which is richly decorated with machine embroidery, lace and zigzag ribbon typical of Muhu. In addition, we will visit the Muhu Museum as well as visit several craftsmen on the island and local craft shops.
The example and inspiration for sewing jackets are the cotton Muhu jackets from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, some of which can be seen in the Muhu Museum:
JSM 529 E 642
SM 8139 7T233_1
SM 8139 7T233_1
JSM 566 E 793
JSM 566 E 793
JSM 529 E 642
JSM F 302:6 F
On one day we will take a trip to the largest island in Estonia, Saaremaa. We will see the Kaali crater formed by a meteorite fall and historic windmills. We will also visit Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa.
The course is taught by skilled craftswoman and educator Aivi Tamm and tailor and educator Merli Mänd.
Aivi defended her master's degree in creative applications of cultural heritage at the Viljandi Academy of Culture of the University of Tartu on the topic Cotton jackets in the tradition of wearing folk costumes in Western Estonia and the islands in the late 19th century and the first half of the 20th century (2022). She conducts textile craft training and teaches textile craft students at the Olustvere School of Service and Rural Economics.
Merli has studied clothing production at TUT and has worked in the field of textiles and clothing production. She teaches folk costume making courses, teaches heritage technology students at the Viljandi Cultural Academy, and offers tailoring services.
Aivi, Merli and handicraft heritage researcher Anu Pink are the authors of the book Cotton Jackets from the Estonian Islands. This is a comprehensive handbook with jacket patterns from the islands of Muhu, Kihnu, Vormsi and Saaremaa. The book in Estonian contains detailed working drawings and stunning photos of both historical and modern jackets. We will sew jackets according to the patterns in the book. Anyone who wishes can buy the book on site.
Muhu jacket sewing course from Monday evening (July 5th) to Sunday (July 11th)
The price includes:
professional guidance;
A pattern of a Muhu jacket to your size;
selected fabric and decorative materials;
accommodation in a barn in double or triple rooms (it is possible to book a single room for an additional fee);
sauna one evening;
guided tour of Muhu Museum;
trips to craft masters and craft shops;
one day trip to Saaremaa;
some meals (we will specify later). Please write down any special meal requests when registering!
For an additional fee, you can take part in a crochet workshop in the evenings. You can choose from different crochet patterns from Muhu Island and crochet a small pincushion or key ring.
Registration opens in November 2026
Photos: Aivi Tamm, Anu Pink, Margot Lubja
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