CultureA Guide to Appalachian Crafts in Western Carolina
A Guide to Appalachian Crafts in Western Carolina
Courtney cook
Discover nine traditional crafts—quilting, broom making, ceramics and more—still thriving in the Blue Ridge Mountain region.
BASKETRY
The original Appalachian tote bag, baskets are made from materials plentiful in the region: white oak, hickory, rivercane, willow—and, these days—dried kudzu vines.
BLACKSMITHING
Way more than horseshoes, blacksmithing encompasses decorative, artistic and utilitarian ironwork—from hooks and coat racks to iron gates or fantastical sculptures.
BROOM MAKING
Hand-tied with a salvaged wood handle, contemporary Appalachian broom makers add finesse—look for “wedding brooms,” where broom heads are intertwined together forever.
CERAMICS
Shaping wet clay into striking and useful forms is popular thanks to the Carolinas’ mineral-rich land. WNC is home to “the original Jugtown,” Penland potters and East Fork.
CHAIR MAKING
The traditional settin’ chair—whose rear slats are curved and more comfortable than a ladderback—is built to furnish many dining rooms and countless front porches.
NATURAL DYEING
For generations, folks have added color to their cloth with homegrown plants and vegetation. Marigold’s pale yellow could be the color of the year; Madder root’s deep red surprises with its richness.
QUILTING
The original form of creative reuse, quilting is also a communal activity—men and women would gather for “quilting bees” to help friends finish adventurous projects.
WEAVING
A central character in the craft story. Prevalent in almost every Colonial-era home, weaving inspired Craft Revival movers and shakers, and it remains a staple in educational centers today.
