If you had to associate a fabric with Alsace today, the red checkered cloth would be the first thing that came to mind for most people. Here we call it Kelsch… and it's so much more than that!
This fabric, made of linen, wool or hemp, adorned with checkered or striped patterns, traditionally in shades of blue and red on an ecru background, has its origins in the time of Charlemagne, as early as the 8th century.e century. At that time, it was referred to as "Koelnisch Blau." The adjective "Koelnisch" means "originating from the city of Köln (Cologne)," and "Blau" refers to the color derived from woad, "Cologne blue," which was then used to dye fabrics. Over the centuries, the use of madder and indigo expanded the color palette, and red was added to the blue.
The raw material needed to make Kelsch is available in our region and this noble and very good quality fabric is therefore quickly becoming a staple in all interiors.
Kelsch was originally used exclusively as bed linen, serving to cover pillows and eiderdowns or to make alcove curtains.
At the time, the bride-to-be would assemble her trousseau by always including Kelsch bed linen in her wedding chest: she would embroider her initials in red thread on each piece of the trousseau, making sure to have 12 copies of each type of linen for a complete trousseau.
A tradition that endures…
From the 20e In the 20th century, customs evolved and Kelsch was now used more widely throughout the house. In the kitchen, aprons, table runners, tablecloths and tea towels added a touch of Alsace, while elsewhere, curtains, cushions and bedspreads recalled Alsatian craftsmanship.
In Green Alsace, artisans keep the tradition alive and you will find at Kelsch d'Alsace in Seebach à Seebach or Kelsch d'Alsace in Seebach in Wissembourg or at Knitting threads a complete range of fabrics and products in Kelsch, to give as a gift or to treat yourself.