Sønderho Day

The Fanø scarf is one of the island’s most beautiful hallmarks, closely connected to traditional folk costumes and the island's maritime cultural history. The tradition dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when Fanø’s sailors travelled on long voyages to distant parts of the world. When they returned from journeys to, among other places, Asia, they brought home the finest silk scarves for their wives and daughters. Many of these came from China and India and soon became part of the local dress – a visible testament to Fanø’s encounter with the wider world. Today, the tradition lives on. Fanø scarves are still handwoven in India by skilled artisans in a village with proud weaving traditions. Before the work begins, the Danish weaver Margit Korshøj studies an original scarf from the collection of the Gamle Sønderho Foundation. She carefully documents the pattern, colours, materials, and weave density so that the Indian weavers can recreate the tradition with great precision. Creating a Fanø scarf is a slow and demanding process. Setting up the loom alone can take several days, as up to 30 silk threads per centimetre are often used. Sample pieces are woven first, a process that typically takes three to four months. Only then does the actual production begin, which takes another three to four months. Once the scarves are finally finished, they are washed, hemmed, labelled, pressed, and packed. Each scarf is unique. Small variations in the weave bear witness to the craftsmanship involved and highlight the difference from machine-made products. A Fanø scarf is therefore much more than a piece of fabric – it is the result of many months of dedicated work, a high level of expertise, and deep respect for tradition. The price reflects this long and meticulous process, and each scarf carries a story that connects Fanø with the rest of the world.