ÚĽUV Publishing presents another publication in the School of Traditional Production and Crafts series by author Jarmila Rybánská: Wristbands. This edition primarily documents techniques of traditional crafts that are currently in decline or completely forgotten. Even the technique of wristband knitting is among the lesser known, as traditional garment accessories like wristbands are no longer part of modern attire. Originally part of men’s clothing, wristbands served to protect a man’s wrist during work and also to tighten shirt sleeves. Later, they were used as decorative garments in both men’s and women’s traditional costumes.

The publication showcases the technique of knitting on three traditional items: wristbands, gloves, and slippers. Since this technique was most commonly used for knitting wristbands, we refer to it as wristband technique. Readers have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the entire production process of different products, as wristbands, slippers, and gloves were each manufactured in a unique way. The publication also includes photographs of original products made at the beginning of the twentieth century, while also offering a wide range of patterns still used today.

Issued by the Center of Folk Art Production in Bratislava, a state-funded organization established by the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic, in 2014.