Pibiones

The pibiones or grain weaving technique is most commonly found in the central and eastern areas of Sardinia, Italy.^[1] This is a particular type of stitched relief, where the pattern is formed from the countless grains incorporated into the cloth during weaving. These are made by twisting the weft yarn around a needle which is arranged in a horizontal position on the loom; after the thread is beat into place, the needle is then pulled away, leaving behind a raised effect (grains).^[2]

Pibiones fabric

Sardinian craftswoman

A larger-scale looped-pile weft on a vertical loom, using a knitting needle, for clarity.

Pibiones are used to decorate traditional Sardinian linen bedcovers, historically woven by young Sardinian girls to be included in their dowry (corredo).^[1]

The pibiones technique was used in antiquity only for the best hand-woven bedcovers sa faona and for household articles such as curtains, fabrics, cushions, and tablecloths.