Otomi Embroidery
Otomi embroidery is the Mexican embroidery style known as "Tenangos", using vibrant colors, and unique floral and animal designs. Each Otomi piece is hand embroidered on Ivory muslin by Otomi artisans. Tenango de Doria, Hidalgo, Mexico,
Otomi textiles represent a great Mexican tradition that has been passed from generation to generation.
Otomi Designs : Motifs and symbols
The Otomi designs are symbols based on native flora and fauna of the Otomi region. The animals and flowers in this Mexican embroidery represent the daily events of the Otomi culture in which we will appreciate animals such as deer, birds, rabbits, etc.
Depends on the design but every Otomi piece requires a long time to be finished. But on average a Tenango such as a bedspread or an Otomi tablecloth can take up to 12 months to be completed.
Otomi Embroidery Process
Artisans cut the Mexican Manta in a special size depending on the project that is going to be embroidered.
Otomi people hand trace using a pencil, unique designs onto ivory cotton fabric. The Otomi pieces feature unique animals and floral designs.
The piece is embroidered using a "blind stitch" technique. The stitches are completely hidden on the front of the fabric and almost completely hidden on the inside of the fabric.
It is important to wash the piece in order to erase the drawing.
Iron the piece once it is completed.
Stitch the hemline by hand or with a sewing
machine
Where to buy Otomi embroidered Fabric ?
Otomi México sells fair trade Otomi embroidered Fabric with a unique design. Our Mexican Textiles Collection includes: Otomi table runner, Otomi wall hanging, Otomi blanket, Otomi tablecloth.
Looking for an Otomi Embroidery patterns? Check out this post.
