The Artistry and History of Traditional Dress Around the World—Call for Submissions PieceWork Winter 2025

Are you passionate about preserving the art and heritage of folk wear and traditional costumes? Do you have expertise or a family connection to the intricate needlework, knitting, embroidery, or crochet techniques that are tied to a particular culture and that make these garments timeless?

This issue will explore the creativity, techniques, and stories behind traditional garments from around the globe. From the delicate needle lace of Europe to the vibrant embroidery of South America, from the intricate knitting patterns of the Baltics to the centuries-old crochet traditions of Asia, and from hand-dyed cloth from Africa to the hardanger of Norway, we are looking to showcase the diversity and cultural significance of clothing items that display these crafts, as well as the makers who created them.

Apron; Croatian; fourth quarter 19th century; wool, metal; 2009.300.2955; Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Museum Expedition 1920, Robert B. Woodward Memorial Fund, 1920. Photo courtesy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art

We are seeking:

• Feature articles: Explore the history, cultural context, or unique techniques of specific traditional garments or regional styles.

• How-to projects: Step-by-step guides for creating folk-inspired needlework, knitting, macramé, embroidery, or crochet pieces.

• Profiles: Stories of artisans, communities, or organizations preserving and innovating within the realm of folk wear.

• Historic insights: In-depth looks at traditional techniques, materials, and their evolution over time.

Where did makers get their materials? When were these pieces worn? Who taught makers how to create these traditional clothing items? We are looking for stories about a variety of needlecrafts and proposals for interesting projects. Show us your ideas that encompass textiles from crafters all over the globe, such as Turkish knitted socks, Portuguese lace, Malaysian Nyonya embroidery, and Mexican macramé.

Woman's Bridal Socks; early 1900s; Yugoslavia, Serbia; Embroidered wool, gold thread, sequins, knitting; Gift of Dr. Rosalie Slaughter Morton 1946.147. Photo courtesy of The Cleveland Museum of Art

PieceWork’s primary focus has always been a commitment to value the needlecraft traditions of the past. Please send us your submissions for the Winter 2025 issue that illustrate a method or a heritage practice that was used to craft traditional costume or folk wear.

We look forward to seeing your ideas.

We welcome submissions from everyone, from experienced stitchers and enthusiastic beginners to researchers passionate about the historical significance of textile techniques. Thank you!

PieceWork Winter 2025: The Artistry and History of Traditional Dress Around the World

We are looking for:

• Feature articles—Tell us more about the history of needlework: stories, profiles, and biographies.
• Historical and historically inspired projects—instructions using bobbin lace, tatting, embroidery, knitting, crochet, or other needlework techniques, all made by hand.
• How-to articles—tell us how a historical needlework technique is done.
• Have an idea that doesn’t fit our theme? Send that to us, too! We may be able to use it in an upcoming issue.

We are also always looking for content for our website. If you have an idea for a short piece, about 300 to 500 words, please submit your proposal to us.

Forms and information: 

Online Submissions Form PieceWork Winter 2025

PieceWork Contributor’s Guidelines

PieceWork Photo Guidelines

Questions? Contact us at piecework@longthreadmedia.com. 

Submissions due: January 13, 2025

We will notify you of our decision: January 2025

If selected, finished articles and projects are due by April 21, 2025

Do you want to be added to the PieceWork Call for Submissions email list? Sign up here.