For centuries, eastern Switzerland was the leading region in the Swiss textile industry. Virtually every home was used for weaving, spinning or embroidery. Around 1800, the canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden was the most densely populated canton in Switzerland.

Flax cultivation and linen weaving had been widespread in the Lake Constance area since ancient times. The products that were not used themselves were brought to St. Gallen and sold. Over time, influential trading houses also developed in the Appenzell region. The Wetter and Tanner families in Herisau, the Schläpfer family in Speicher and the Zellweger family in Trogen helped the linen trade to flourish. At the beginning of the 18th century, the linen trade was replaced by the cotton industry. From this time onwards, the spinning of cotton yarns and the weaving of cotton cloth spread from the town across Appenzell, Toggenburg and the Rhine valley. Many small farmers also pursued a sideline in textile production.

Machine embroidery developed between 1830 and 1930. The machine made the products cheaper because the fabrics were produced more quickly. The weaving cellars were dug deeper and converted into embroidery shops. To this day, silk bag cloth weaving is still widespread in the Vorderland. These are used in screen printing (e.g. printing on T-shirts, posters, etc.) and in filtration (e.g. as water or sewage filters or oil filters and cars).

ENDERLIN'S WEBSTOBE

Hand weaving has been practised by the Enderlin family for generations. Lydia Enderlin was well known in the region for her care in this craft. Elsbeth was allowed to take over the secrets of weaving and creates masterpieces for everyday use with a lot of heart and soul.

Would you like to take a look behind these traditional works of art? Elsbeth Enderlin makes this possible for you and serves delicious aperitif delicacies in her "Webruum". Treat yourself to a cultural experience.

HAND WEAVING ALMOST LIKE IN THE OLD DAYS

In the cosy historic weaving house with lots of charm, textiles are created by Helen Niederer in the Wäbchäller. She weaves towels, table linen and shopping bags from natural materials with different patterns and colours. Look over the weaver's shoulder and watch how she skilfully pushes the weaving shuttle back and forth, lifting the right threads with a foot pedal time and again so that the shed for the weft threads can form.

TEXTILE COUNTRY EASTERN SWITZERLAND

Eastern Switzerland - the textile region par excellence! The past was strongly influenced by the noble fabrics and they are still very much present today. To this day, the fabrics and embroideries are popular all over the world. High-quality, but also innovative textiles are constantly being researched and developed in Eastern Switzerland. Visit Textilland Ostschweiz and learn more about pioneering spirit and tradition.