Useful threads

Also a traditional art in the Algarvian mountains, weaving is part of a cultural heritage still alive and well in the daily life of people, who preserve it as a noble craft.

Similar to olden days, it continues to be performed at home by women, but the work of preparing wool and linen is divided among the household.

The beautiful blankets from the Serra de Monchique, either made from sheep’s wool or from thin strips of cloth or rags, are much sought after for their decorative appearance with some examples displayed in museums. In addition to carpets, bicycle saddlebags, which can be adapted to the size of the bicycle, are manufactured in north-eastern Algarve.

Along the Serra do Caldeirão, you can easily find all these crafts.  Also, throughout the municipality of Alcoutim you can find the traditional wool and linen products woven by the skilful hands of women in the region.

On the other hand, rag work - originally from inland areas - is found across the whole region of the Algarve.  This is an art form which uses scraps of material and remnants of old clothes cut into strips or geometrical forms in order to sew them together by hand, thus producing the much famed colourful patchwork rugs and blankets.