Weaving of bedspreads using the single-weft technique in the Lepel district of the Vitebsk region

The element represents the knowledge and skills associated with the traditional craft of weaving, recognised by the community of Lepel District as part of their cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation, fostering a sense of identity and continuity, and thereby promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.

The production of a "quilted blanket" using the single-sided overshot technique has been known since the late 19th century. It involves weaving a black fabric with a plain weave ("u prosto") with the addition of threads for the pattern. The distinctive feature is that for the pattern, the warp threads are divided into columns of equal width (the width is determined according to the design, but as a rule, it is 6, 8, or 10 threads for the column and 2 threads for pressing). The number of pattern threads thrown with the weft must form a cell. The pattern, which is freely chosen, is created from these cells.

The raw materials for the production of patterned fabrics have long included both home-spun linen and wool threads, as well as purchased ones. In addition to wool and linen, craftswomen also bought and widely used cotton and mixed fibres of various colours.