This recognition highlights a living craft practice, sustained through the skilled hands of those who stitch, join delicate loops, and carefully finish textile edges with precision and care. It is a testament to the enduring knowledge embedded in traditional Romanian craftsmanship and its continued relevance today.
The initiative has been championed by Semne Cusute, whose work is dedicated to preserving these traditional techniques while renewing them for contemporary contexts. By maintaining the spirit of the craft, they continue to foster creativity and a commitment to beauty and durability — down to the finest details.
This achievement was made possible with the support of the Romanian Ministry of Culture, the National Commission for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the National Heritage Institute of Romania. It also reflects the contributions of a wide network of partners and collaborators, including Udtr Constanța Branch, Mândra Chic, Horatiu Silviu Ilea, and REDU, as well as leading cultural institutions such as the Folk Art Museum of Constanța, the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania, the “ASTRA” National Museum Complex in Sibiu, the museums in Botoșani and Piatra Neamț, and the National Museum of the Romanian Peasant.
The initiative also builds on the dedication of the Semne Cusute’s colleagues from sewing circles across Romania, including Gabriela Matei, Alina Panaite, Aura, Maria Vișan, Haldea Diana, and Iustina Răducanu.
Importantly, this work began within the framework of the Tracks4Crafts project demonstrating how collaborative European initiatives can support the safeguarding and revitalisation of traditional crafts.
Read more: https://patrimoniu.ro/ro/patrimoniu-imaterial/articles/2026-gateala-tivurilor-tehnici-de-infrumusetare-a-tivurilor-obiectelor-de-port-traditional-cu-acul-si-croseta
Photo by Adriana Szabo