Khayamiya Workshop: The Art of Egyptian Appliqué

Step into the colorful world of Khayamiya, Egypt’s centuries-old textile tradition.

Originating in the bustling tentmaker’s market of Cairo, Khayamiya is the craft of hand-stitched appliqué, once used to decorate large tents for celebrations, processions, and spiritual gatherings.

Today, it survives as a living art form — blending vibrant fabrics, geometric patterns, and cultural storytelling.


In this workshop, participants will:

• Learn the history of Khayamiya, from its Fatimid-era roots to its survival in modern Cairo.

• Practice traditional techniques of cutting, layering, and stitching colorful textiles to create appliqué patterns.

• Design their own small Khayamiya piece — whether a wall hanging, cushion cover, or decorative panel — guided by skilled artisans.

• Explore cultural symbolism in the motifs, from Islamic geometry to folkloric and Pharaonic influences.


✨ By the end of the workshop, you will not only take home your own handcrafted textile piece but also carry with you a deeper appreciation for a craft that represents the hidden folds (Thanāyā) of Egypt’s heritage.