DALAHÄSTEN TURNS 30 YEARS OLD – A BELOVED PATTERN IN LINEN
"Linet is a fascinating material with its functionality, timelessness and durability. The contrast between the matte and glossy in linet is magical."
–Jeanette Karsten
In 2025, we will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Dalahästpattern – a pattern that has become a beloved part of Klässbol's soul and history.
FROM GINGERBREAD SHAPE TO FOLKLORE SHAPE – THE HISTORY BEHIND THE PATTERN
Dalahästpattern was born in 1995 in the kitchen at home. Jeanette Karsten was baking gingerbread with her daughter when she noticed how the cut-out cookie shapes created a graphic pattern in the dough. Right then and there, the idea for a textile pattern with dalahästwas born – each one unique, placed in a random pattern.
What was unexpected at the time quickly became groundbreaking. Figures placed without repetition and symmetry stood out in the 1990s textile market, and the pattern was quickly taken on to Ljungbergs Textil for printing.
That same year, Dalahästappeared as a piece of fabric in all of Svenskt Tenn's shop windows – a launch that did not go unnoticed. The pattern was printed in several colorways by hand and was also available on trays at the Carl Malmsten store.
A DESIGNER WITH A SENSE FOR BOTH STRUCTURE AND PLAYFULNESS
Jeanette Karsten has a background as an architect, educated at the Oslo School of Architecture, KTH in Stockholm and the Welsh School of Architecture in Cardiff. She has studies in color and form theory, scenography and furniture design – something that is clearly visible in her designs.
Dalahästis one of her most famous patterns. Since its inception, it has adorned everything from potholders and napkins to meterials, toiletry bags and bags.
“The special thing is that every horse is unique – there is a freedom in the pattern.”
– Jeanette Karsten
DALAHÄSTEN AND KLÄSSBOLS – A MEETING IN SUSTAINABLE CRAFTSMANSHIP
After Ljungberg's bankruptcy, the pattern was taken over by Frösö Handtryck. In 2015, Klässbols Linneväveri was given the opportunity to weave Dalahästin linen. The original templates from 1995 were scanned in, and production could begin.
We at Klässbols immediately fell for the playful expression and how well it could be translated into woven linen. Since then, Dalahästhas been part of our range – previously as pillowcases and potholders, today as stylish runners and towels in linen.
PRODUCTS
Dalahäst towels
Dalahäst table runner
