One of Estonia’s oldest traditions is packing its bags and heading around Australia this winter. Estonian knitwear designer Aleks Byrd will be touring Australia from July to early September, leading a series of workshops that introduce knitters to traditional Estonian techniques with a modern twist.
Event information
When: 24 July – 6 September 2026
Where: Port Adelaide (SA), Canterbury (VIC), North Hobart (TAS), Melbourne (VIC), Wyong (NSW), Banyo (QLD) and Sydney (NSW).
Bookings: www.aleks-byrd.com/classes-events
What will I learn?
You will learn a range of traditional Estonian knitting techniques, including roosimine (Estonian inlay knitting), Kihnu troi knitting, Baltic braids, lace overlay, ladderback jacquard and several other techniques that have been passed down through generations before finding new life in modern knitwear.
Workshops cater to different interests and experience levels, with introductory classes as well as more specialised techniques available.
Who is Aleks Byrd?
Born in the United States to an Estonian family and now based in Tallinn, Aleks describes herself as a global Estonian who enjoys sharing Estonian knitting traditions with fellow Estonians around the world. Through her workshops, books and designs, she combines centuries-old techniques with contemporary patterns, helping keep this part of Estonian cultural heritage alive wherever people happen to call home.
Aleks is the author of two books celebrating modern Estonian knitting, including Traditions Revisited: Modern Estonian Knits and Kindred Knits: Patterns from My Estonian Family Archives. Alongside detailed instruction, participants will also have the opportunity to see examples from her collection of traditional Estonian knitwear and learn the stories behind many of the techniques.
Whether you’ve been knitting for decades, have recently discovered the joy of yarn, or simply want to explore another corner of Estonian culture, these workshops offer a wonderful opportunity to learn directly from one of the ambassadors of modern traditional Estonian knitting.
For workshop dates, locations and bookings, visit Aleks Byrd’s website.
