Prints and Patterns from around the globe

Part of decorating an eclectic home is layering prints, patterns and textures–adding varied textiles from around the globe as throws, decorative pillows, table-cloths, wall hangings or framed as art. I was introduced to many of these prints and weaves in my travels and also as a student in the World Arts and Cultures program at UCLA.
Here are some of my favorite types of prints and patterned textiles from around the globe with a brief introduction and what I love about each.

1.0 Otomi Embroidery – The Otomi people are an indigenous ethnic group from Mexico. The colorful embroidery is done on thin cotton muslin and the designs are said to be inspired by ancient cliff paintings from the nearby Tepehua-Otomi Mountains.
Why I love Otomi Embroidery:  The motifs are generally really happy and colorful–with sweet animals and flowers.  Otomi embroidery brings good vibes to a room.

2.0 Batik – Batik is a wax-dying technique used to create art and patterns in many parts of the world. (The Batik Pillow pictured here is West African) Indonesian Batik is especially popular.
Why I love Batik: My family visited Indonesia when I was ten years old. We got to visit a Javanese Batik studio and I watched the artists apply the wax and soak the cottons in large vats of indigo dye. It was the beginning of my love affair with bold textiles.

3.0 Kuba Textiles – Kuba Textiles are traditionally made by the Kuba people of Zaire. Creating the textiles is a labour-intensive process which includes weaving the cloth, dyeing the embroidery fibers, and embellishing with embroidery, applique, patchwork and dye.
Why I love Kuba Textiles – Generally in more muted palates with blacks, creams and browns and with graphic patterns, the Kuba textiles look beautiful in modern homes and more minimal homes, too.

4.0 Suzani Textiles – Suzani is an embroidered textile from Central Asian countries. Popular design motifs include the sun and moon and flowers. Suzani textiles are generally really colorful and use a lot of circular motifs.
Why I love Suzani – I’m obsessed with furniture reupholstered in Suzani fabrics: chaises, chairs and ottomans that are recovered in Suzani fabric add a colorful, homey pop to a space.

5.0 Shibori Dye – Shibori is a Japanese technique of tying, stitching, folding and twisting fabric to create different patterns on the dyed cloth. There are many types of Shibori.
Why I Love Shibori –  Often found in rich indigo hues, I love the delicate, graphic quality of the Shibori patterns. Shibori is also fun and pretty easy to attempt from home.

6.0 Ikat– Ikat is one of the oldest forms of textile decoration. Like Batik, many different cultures employ Ikat dyeing techniques– what sets Ikat apart from the others is that the patterns are dyed onto the bundles of thread before the cloth is woven.
Why I Love Ikat – Ikat, be it Guatemalan, Japanese or South-East Asian fits into rooms of any style– wheather your home is boho, noho, soho or weho, if your home is missing a personal quality, adding ikat details will to the trick.

Image Sources: Otomi | Batik | Kuba | Suzani | Shibori | Ikat