Cotton tablecloth · Karen hill tribe · Backstrap loom

Handwoven Karen hill tribe tablecloth, skilfully made on a traditional backstrap loom by Karen women in northern Thailand. This versatile piece, made of locally grown, handspun cotton, captivates with its bold rasberry red and white stripes, the subtle variations in the weave adding depth and movement to the pattern. The horizontal blue stripe and the generous fringe are added details that create a dynamic visual rhythm, reflecting the traditional Thai tribal textile aesthetic and an eye toward modern design. Each tablecloth is assembled from individually woven panels, hand-sewn together - a hallmark of authentic backstrap loom weaving.

The Craft. This tablecloth showcases the artistry of traditional backstrap loom weaving, where the weaver's body becomes part of the loom itself, controlling tension and rhythm with each pass of the shuttle. Individual panels are woven separately and then meticulously hand-sewn together to create the larger piece, with each seam a testament to the patience required in this ancient technique. The handspun cotton and soft dyes create subtle variations in colour and texture throughout the fabric. Working with locally sourced materials, weavers create each piece through weeks of dedicated work, their skilled hands translating ancient patterns into contemporary forms.

The Heritage. The Karen (also known as Kariang or Karin) people are among the largest hill tribe communities in northern Thailand, maintaining strong weaving traditions that have been passed down through generations in mountain villages. Textiles play a central role in Karen cultural identity, with distinctive patterns and techniques marking both everyday life and ceremonial occasions. The backstrap loom, one of humanity's oldest weaving technologies, remains the preferred tool for creating these textiles, connecting contemporary weavers to countless generations of their ancestors.

The Maker. Rachna Sachasinh formed Tikkiwallah to provide independent artisans in Thailand and Laos with a digital market dedicated to artistic collaborations that prioritise traditional fibres, heritage skills, and modern design. Inspired by deep cultural traditions, sustainable agriculture and the rhythms of rural life, Tikkiwallah works with the ethnic communities of Karen, Tai Lue, Hmong, Khummu, Tai Daeng, Akha, and Mlabri, to create small batch products, with minimal intervention.