The Calado is one of the most important craftmanship works in The Canaries. The Calado was introduced to the Canary Islands by the early settlers that the conquistadores brought with them, probably by those of Portuguese origin.
 A Calado is made by un-threading a fabric obtaining a variety of elaborate patterns over its weft. These patterns are generally inspired in plants.
El Calado is a deeply rooted craftsmanship in Fuerteventura, where we can find an self-developed variety of this skill exclusive to the island named the Redondillo Majorero.
For years the Calados were being exported to mainland Spain, meaning an extra income source for the Majoreros. However, for the past decade the Calados demand has decreased, this is mainly attributed to the introduction of imports from the Far East that are imitations of Calados and sell them at a cheaper price. Nevertheless, some Caladoras can still be seen working their Calados outside their homes.
The first thing needed in order to make a Calado is a piece of fabric, cut accordingly to the size and shape of the product into which it will be manufactured. i.e beadspreads, table-cloths, doilies, tapestries, centrepieces, clothing, blankets, towels, cushions, blouses, shirts, skirts,handkerchiefs, aprons, curtains, etc…
The next stage is the Marcado, which consists in extracting the threads that will not be used for the the Calado work, those which have not been marked.
Soon after, some of the threads within the part of the fabric that have been marked are to be cut, extracting as many of these threads as needed to create the chosen stitch. These will produce a pattern combining both threads and the gaps created between them.
Two sides of the piece of fabric are then secured to the loom by weaving them to the loom’s cloth. The other two sides of the fabric can then be secured to the loom with two braces.
Having secured the fabric into the loom, this is then stretched and the proper Calado can now begin. By means of a needle and with the threads in the fabric, the Caladeras engage themselves in the handtcraft of interlacinng and tying them up thus creating a variety of delicate shapes. Many of these have their own name, the most renown being: Rehílo y flor, Redondillo flor, Galletas, Judías, Medregal, Fino, Redondillo Majorero, etc…
Information provided by the Tourist Board of the Cabildo of Fuerteventura
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