Know Your Motifs: Otomi, Suzani, Kantha and Ikat
Here’s how to spot traditional textile design styles from around the world
Each of these global textile traditions has a loyal following among decorators, but which is which? If you want to bump up your textile IQ, check out this short course on otomi, suzani, kantha, and ikat – and learn how to identify each one, once and for all.
Otomi textiles make wonderful throws, bedspreads, table coverings, wall hangings and even upholstery.
Traditional Otomi designs have also been used on other products, including the Hygge & West Otomi wallpaper shown here.
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Suzani
The word ‘suzani’ comes from a Persian word meaning ‘needle’; the textile is another intricate, hand-embroidered one. Suzani textiles come from central Asia, near Uzbekistan, where they have been traditionally made by groups of women working collaboratively on each piece.
The word ‘suzani’ comes from a Persian word meaning ‘needle’; the textile is another intricate, hand-embroidered one. Suzani textiles come from central Asia, near Uzbekistan, where they have been traditionally made by groups of women working collaboratively on each piece.
The stylised botanical motifs of suzani textiles are often arranged in mandala-like patterns, with vines meandering between the mandalas. Suzanis are versatile textiles, often used on beds, as loose coverings for sofas and as tablecloths and wall-hangings.
Kantha
Kantha is the name of a particular type of decorative embroidery popular in India and Bangladesh. But when you hear about kantha today, it is usually in reference to kantha quilts, textiles made using the kantha stitch.
Browse more bedding for inspiration
Kantha is the name of a particular type of decorative embroidery popular in India and Bangladesh. But when you hear about kantha today, it is usually in reference to kantha quilts, textiles made using the kantha stitch.
Browse more bedding for inspiration
Like the traditional American quilts of Gee’s Bend, Alabama, kantha quilts make use of scrap material – though in this case it is scraps of sari fabric.
The scraps of sari fabric are cut and pieced together, often in exciting colour combinations, and stitched together using the kantha stitch, a form of running stitch that uses the quilting thread as a decorative element.
The scraps of sari fabric are cut and pieced together, often in exciting colour combinations, and stitched together using the kantha stitch, a form of running stitch that uses the quilting thread as a decorative element.
Kantha quilts are usually lightweight, making them perfect bed covers and throws. Kantha textiles can also be used to cover pillows, pouffes and other small furnishings.
Ikat
Ikat textiles come from around the world and have been made in various forms since ancient times. Basically intricate forms of tie-dye, true ikat textiles are made by highly skilled weavers, who hand tie and individually dye small bundles of threads before weaving them on a loom. The hand dyeing is what gives ikat its distinctive colour-bleeding look.
Ikat textiles come from around the world and have been made in various forms since ancient times. Basically intricate forms of tie-dye, true ikat textiles are made by highly skilled weavers, who hand tie and individually dye small bundles of threads before weaving them on a loom. The hand dyeing is what gives ikat its distinctive colour-bleeding look.
Of course today, you are more likely to find ikat designs printed on fabric than the handmade textile, which is far more labour intensive to produce.
Ancient Ikat Patterns Reimagined for Modern Interiors
Ancient Ikat Patterns Reimagined for Modern Interiors
Cheat sheet:
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Otomi, suzani, kantha or ikat? Share your favourite in the Comments below.
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Decorating: 11 Mexican-inspired Style Tips to Spice Up Your Home
- Otomi: Comes from Mexico; hand-embroidered animal motifs in rich colours on a white background
- Suzani: From central Asia; hand-embroidered multi-coloured textiles featuring mandala-like designs
- Kantha: From India and Bangladesh; hand-embroidered quilts pieced together using scraps of colourful saris
- Ikat: Found around the world; handwoven and intricately tie-dyed, with a distinctive colour-bleed look
TELL US
Otomi, suzani, kantha or ikat? Share your favourite in the Comments below.
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Decorating: 11 Mexican-inspired Style Tips to Spice Up Your Home
These gorgeous textiles are handmade by the Otomi, a group of people indigenous to central Mexico. The designs typically feature stylised animals and botanical forms, hand embroidered in rich colours on a white background. Some are done in a single hue, like the one shown here, while others are a riot of colours.