Authentic Serpanok
Ukraine flax weavers at the Textile Centre Haslach, AT

The non-governmental organization “Authentic Serpanok” is based in the Ukrainian village Krupove, nearly 300 km from the capital city of Kyiv. Their work is based on local traditions and original techniques, starting from growing flax and ending up in creating original folk shirts and other textile products. 

The goal of the group is the promotion of the authentic hand weaving technique of thin semitransparent flaxen fabric (Serpanok) as an element of cultural heritage. The traditional Serpanok production has been preserved only in the village of Krupove in Rivne region. Flax has been grown in the region for centuries, and the hand weaving culture has survived here even in modern turbulent times. Serpanok in their local culture is not only linen and embroidered shirts - it comes together with folklore, singing and rites. Being the keepers of weaving heritage, the group strives to draw the attention of European textile industry and enthusiasts to Serpanok and to promote the interest of international weavers and involvement of our young generation.

For this reason, a working group from Krupove, consisting of Volodymyr Karpovych, Halyna Shepel, Nina Rabchevska and Liubov Stelmashuk, visited the Textile Centre Haslach in Austria. They had brought many products with them, which were thoroughly admired and analyzed. In addition, the Haslach Textile Centre was visited, contacts made and opportunities for cooperation explored. The group is also very interested in exchanging ideas with ETN members on the subject of flax and linen internationally: vkarpovych@hotmail.com

The impressive work of flax processing, weaving and embroidery can be seen in the following film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zGlbWr9WmY&t=718s