Traditional Polish lace crochet is becoming a new favorite in fashion

By Rafal Niedzielski

Wiesława Juroszek was only 6 years old when she learned the intricate handicraft of lace crocheting from the women in her family as part of a long tradition in their little mountain village.

Now, 53 years later, she is part of a new generation of women using those skills to make Koniaków famous far beyond Poland’s borders. Their uniquely crocheted lingerie, beautiful wedding dresses, skirts, blouses and even traditional tablecloths are enjoying a surge of popularity and elevated prices for the skilled work.

“In Koniaków almost all the women do ‘hekla,’ as we call it,” Juroszek told The Associated Press. “For us it’s a passion, for us it’s our whole life.”

Around 700 women work as lace makers in Koniaków, which is nestled high in the Beskid Mountains in southern Poland near the border with Slovakia.

Traditional needlework becomes a prized craft

The techniques have been passed down