Yann's Journal: Home Decor and Fashion with Susani Textiles

A Bed of Susani Pillows from The Loaded Trunk

What is Susani? wikipedia explaination -

Suzani is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other Central Asian countries. Suzani is from the Persian سوزن Suzan which means needle. The art of making such textiles in Iran is called سوزنکاری Suzankāri (needlework).

Suzanis usually have a cotton (sometimes silk) fabric base, which is embroidered in silk or cotton thread. Chain, satin, and buttonhole stitches are the primary stitches used. There is also extensive use of couching, in which decorative thread laid on the fabric as a raised line is stitched in place with a second thread. Suzanis are often made in two or more pieces, that are then stitched together

Popular design motifs include sun and moon disks, flowers (especially tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruits (especially pomegranates), and occasional fish and birds. ^[1]

The oldest surviving suzanis are from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but it seems likely that they were in use long before that. In the early 15th century, Ruy Gonzáles de Clavijo, the Castilianambassador to the court of Timur (Tamerlane), left detailed descriptions of embroideries that were probably forerunners of the suzani. ^[2]

Suzanis were traditionally made by Central Asian brides as part of their dowry, and were presented to the groom on the wedding day. ^[3]

Susani Pillow Covers

Susani textiles enlighten a room with its bold colors, patterns and rich textures. These exotic embroidered fabrics are made into pillows, cushions, upholstery and fashion. The high contrast color palette and distinct nomadic appealing are great as an accent to a room and space. By incorporating them into a modern or vintage style room, they create an eclectic style home decor.

Throw cushions can give a space a new look and style.

The Loaded Trunk

I made this Susani cushion

Susani Inspired Fabric Design

Many designers inspired by the Susani motifs had applied the idea into fabric designs. Machine washable fabric like cotton is good to use on items that needed frequent wash like table cloth or even garments. Check out on Fabric.com of an extensive Susani inspired fabric.

JPM Design

How lovely it is to use a Susani inspired printed fabric as bed covers and thrown it into a washing machine when it needs cleaning.

How about in upholstery fabric like this chair below?

[Donghia's Suzani Jacquard fabric in Blue Bliss - Jeffery Bilhuber[6].jpg]

Susani table cloth

Susani In Bedding

Throw a piece of vintage Susani as bed cover to make a bold statement.

New York Social Diary

Triangle Honey Moon

While machine stitched Susani fabric might be less intricate and attractive, it is more affordable than the handmade pieces and provide an alternative options.

Uzbekistan Machine Stitched Susani

Susani for Display

They are stunning pieces of art on the wall.

Elle Decor

If you like it big, display a feature wall with Susani inspired wallpaper.

Inspired My Home

Susani In furniture Designs

Susanis lend themselves into upholstery wonderfully by Bokja. The talented duo of Beirut-based designers, Hoda Baroudi and Maria Hibri had been creating of one-of-a-kind furniture upholstered with these dazzling explosive colors, patterns and textures. They captured many admirers for their love of these textiles.

A friend of mine who is an ethnic textile enthusiast shared that she wouldn't have the heart to sit on these Susani upholstered chairs. But would you?