S3 E4 Aleks Byrd on Estonian Knitting, Heritage, and Teaching the World

In this episode of Yarn Library, I’m joined by Aleks Byrd, a designer, teacher and author known for her work with traditional Estonian knitting techniques.

Aleks taught me Estonian inlay a few years ago in New York, and I later used that technique on my heavy metal jumper, so this was a particularly lovely conversation to have.

We talk about what it’s like to teach knitters all over the world, from adapting Estonian braids for Portuguese style knitters to preparing for a packed teaching tour in Australia. Aleks shares what changes from country to country, why some knitting cultures have such strong foundations, and why the best workshops are often about confidence as much as technique.

We also talk about Aleks’s Estonian heritage, her move to Estonia, and the balance between preserving traditional craft and making it feel alive, modern and accessible. We discuss Estonian inlay, national costume, the importance of naming techniques properly, and what happens when heritage craft becomes part of contemporary design.

Along the way, we talk about in person teaching, yarn festivals, books, lace overlays, and the joy of bringing historic techniques into modern knitting.

A thoughtful conversation about identity, tradition, travel, teaching and the living future of craft.