top of page

How the Centuries-Old Tradition of Tablet Weaving Keeps Uzbekistan's Cultural Heritage Alive.

Updated: Jul 21



tablet woven sash on ikat skirt
Tablet Weavers of Uzbekistan

Hey there, fashion lovers! We're super excited to share a sneak peek into the centuries-old traditional card or tablet weaving techniques of Uzbekistan in our Meet The Makers series. So get ready to be impressed by the beauty and intricacy of card weaving or tablet weaving - an ancient practice used for centuries to create stunning designs on clothing, bags, and accessories.


Card Weaving Set up

So, how does card or tablet weaving work? Well, a set of cards is used to create sheds through which the weft is passed, and by turning the cards in different sequences, unique patterns, and designs are created. While the materials and tools needed for this technique are readily available and inexpensive, weaving these long strips can take a lot of time and skill. In Uzbekistan, this technique is still popular and is used to create beautiful traditional clothing and accessories.


What is a Shred in Weaving?


In this video, meet a skilled artisan in a remote village near Samarkand who weaves up to 20 meters daily to support her family. She learned the art of card or tablet weaving from her grandmother and has been using her skills to make a living ever since.


Bibi Hanum Shawl & Tunic

One brand that's working closely with these weavers is BiBi Hanum™. They use as hand-woven trims to embellish the edges of traditional ikat robes, caftans, handbags, and other accessories. They create unique and timeless pieces by blending these hand-woven pieces with BiBi Hanum™'s modern yet traditional-looking designs.

Bibi Hanum Dress, Sash & Handbag


Card weaving or tablet weaving is a highly valued skill in Uzbekistan, passed down through generations. It may be time-consuming, but the stunning beauty and intricate designs make it all worth it. BiBi Hanum's use of card weaving in their accessories is a perfect example of how traditional techniques can be incorporated into modern fashion with style and grace.


Hand bag with Card weaving trims

Using an ancient weaving technique in contemporary fashion is a true testament to the lasting appeal of traditional tablet weaving. The intricate designs and patterns inspire designers worldwide while keeping Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage alive.


If you would like to get more information about these makers, reach out to us via email @ design@insidefashiondesign.net


Want to give it a try?

We recommend this book- A Step-by-Step Introduction to Tablet Weaving


Give it a try and let us know how it goes!!











We also found this great video showing in more detail how to set up and pass the cards back and forth to create the patterns- amazing patience to do this technique- so impressive!

Want to learn more? Check out Wikipedias History and the definition of Tablet Weaving info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tablet_weaving


Thanks for checking out our Meet the Makers series! Do you know a maker to be featured? Let us know!

Know someone who would like this article? Please share!


Subscribe to our newsletter to stay in the know and see all our featured makers, along with industry insights & inspirations!



Want to find a supportive fashion design community? We invite you to join us! Visit: www.insider.insidefashiondesign.com to see what we are all about!




Britta Cabanos seated in gold outfit.jpg

Hello!

Hey there, lovely fashion friends! My name is Britta Cabanos, and I'm thrilled to have you here! 

 

I'm a 25+ year fashion industry design professional, and I'm passionate about supporting conscious designers, ethical makers, and sustainability. I believe that fashion can be a powerful force for good, and I'm committed to helping aspiring fashion industry pros make their mark in this exciting and ever-changing field. 

 

If you share my passion for conscious fashion and sustainability,  then you're in the right place. I offer industry insights, mentorship, connections, and resources to help you achieve your goals and make a positive impact in the world. Let's connect and explore the possibilities together - are you ready to join me on this exciting journey?

floral email header.png

Thanks for joining us!

Follow IFD Elsewhere

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Linkedin

Don't miss out on the latest industry insights, resources, and updates! Sign up for our newsletter today and be the first to know about our exclusive offers, upcoming events, and new content. Join our community of fashion industry pros and enthusiasts and take your career to the next level. Simply enter your email below to stay in the loop. We can't wait to connect with you!

POST ARCHIVE

Consciously & Ethically Designed

love drool header.png
conscious design Ian paterman.jpg

About the Book

"Conscious design is a philosophy used at the Peterman Design Firm. We use it to create brands and products that restore and sustain our planet. The Peterman Method for conscious design is the culmination of Ian’s 15+ years working in product development and Jessica’s 20 years in working as a healer and studying regenerative technologies and tools for both people and our planet. Together, we’ve written this book to lay out a culmination of our combined experiences. Our goal is to help other people start looking at the world, and design, in a more conscious way."

bottom of page