FI
FINARTE 40 YEARS
Introducing the Winners of Our Rag Rug Design Competition
In honor of Finarte’s 40-year journey, we invited everyone living in Finland and Finnish citizens abroad to take part in a special design competition celebrating the timeless beauty and cultural importance of rag rugs.
As a deeply rooted element of Finnish heritage, and a central part of Finarte’s story, rag rugs offered the perfect theme for imagining the future of sustainable and expressive textile design. This competition was our way of looking ahead while honoring the past.
We are thrilled to now present the winning designs – each a unique interpretation of tradition, creativity, and modern craftsmanship.
WINNER
Ylitys
Design Tuula Kaakinen
Ylitys is a modern interpretation of the traditional rag rug, where textile waste is reborn as a structurally rich, layered, and visually engaging piece. The rug combines plain weave, bead-picking technique, and rya knots to create a lively surface full of rhythm, variation, and three-dimensionality. The base color is formed with cotton jersey yarn, woven as an even foundation, while colorful rags emerge as vibrant stripes.
There are two distinct ways the rag stripes are executed: in some, the weft is looped using the bead-picking technique, resulting in a soft, textured surface. In others, the same weft is tied into rya knots, adding even more volume and a sense of craftsmanship to the surface. The result is a rug where traditional weaving takes on a new shape, and surplus materials from the textile industry find a meaningful place in everyday life.
At the heart of the concept lies the idea of continuity and play with boundaries – the very essence behind the rug’s name (Ylitys, meaning “crossing” or “exceeding”). On one end, the colorful rag stripes continue into braided fringes made from warp threads, as if extending beyond the rug itself. In contrast, the other end finishes with a smooth, monochromatic woven section. In this way, Ylitys becomes both a visual and symbolic seeker of balance – one end expressing restrained everyday simplicity, the other playful abundance.
Ylitys is not just a single rug model, but a scalable concept adaptable to various rug sizes, from runners to large floor coverings. The weaving combines diverse techniques, materials, and compositional possibilities – the structure remains constant, while the appearance evolves.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Pilkku
Design Tytti Laitakari
Pilkku is a three-dimensional and abstract rug that plays with color and texture. Its inspiration comes from pointillism, where colors are formed from individual dots and blend together when viewed from a distance. The weaving technique emerged through experimentation, and cotton jersey yarn proved to be the best material due to its softness and durability.
The random loops make each rug one of a kind, creating a lively and irregular rhythm. Pilkku also functions as an acoustic surface and can be made in various color combinations . including a three-color version for a more expressive, rich look.
HONOURABLE MENTION
Marikko & Karikko
Design Annukka Mikkola
Marikko and Karikko rugs tell a story of cultural encounters and the continuity of tradition. Their design language and materials are rooted in a history that traveled from the East to the Nordic countries aboard ships.
Marikko reflects a modern Scandinavian aesthetic with bright tones, while Karikko is more subdued, featuring ethnic hues and a relief-like surface. Both rugs incorporate recycled rags, sari fabrics, and cotton jersey, creating a dynamic interplay between smooth and coarse textures.
The rugs are woven using a plain weave structure, with inlay patterns that add visual richness. They can be used individually, but also form a cohesive whole when placed side by side.
