Majorca in threads

The "fabrics of tongues" evoke the sea and the landscapes of the island. An icon of Majorcan textile craftsmanship, it is distinguished by its geometric patterns and bright colours that sometimes include olive green, sky blue and intense reds. 

This style bears a strong resemblance to the traditional Asian "ikats". It follows that it has eastern influences, which is reflected in these unique and lively fabrics that, over time, have been adapted to the Mediterranean style and now represent the unique culture of the island.

The creation process is completely handmade, starting with the dyeing of the yarns before weaving, which guarantees an identical design on both sides of the fabric. From there, patterns are woven into curtains, tablecloths or pillows, or even modern fashion and decorative pieces. The technique has been passed down from generation to generation, making these fabrics a symbol of authenticity that captures the attention of visitors from all over the world.

Majorcan embroidery

Known in Catalan as ‘brodat mallorquí’, it is a technique that has given rise to garments and pieces of home decoration for centuries. The threads of these embroideries, traditionally in natural tones such as honey, red and turquoise, are the protagonists of this textile art which was already valued in the 18th century in the European courts.

There are two outstanding techniques in ‘brodat mallorquí’: embroidery in relief and chain stitch. The first is a meticulous work that gives volume to the motifs and is usually done on silks or tulles, generating pieces of great visual richness. The second technique, chain stitch, is the basis of classic Majorcan embroidery and is characterised by the perfect alignment of the stitches. This type of embroidery is used on clothing, tablecloths and pillowcases, adding a touch of elegance and tradition to homes.

Some more complex embroideries employ a style called ‘fil-tiré’, which consists of working the threads of the fabric to create openwork decorations that multiply the richness of each piece. In these details lies the beauty of Majorcan embroidery, which is distinguished both by the fineness of its details and by the symbolism they carry.

Majorca continues to be home to artisans who focus on these techniques in family workshops and their creations can be found at the island's craft fairs and markets. Visiting these places is an opportunity to admire the handicraft process at first hand and to take home a piece of this textile heritage.