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What is raffia embroidery?
Raffia embroidery is a hand embroidery technique decorating natural raffia fabric with paper, synthetic or natural raffia yarn using a needle. Natural raffia is a natural fibre from the leaves of the raffia palm tree. The result is textured, bold, and when using brightly coloured yarns, vibrant designs.
I developed this technique, inspired by traditional Caribbean straw crafts, when designing the Windrush Collection. It's beginner-friendly, relaxing, and needs no previous embroidery experience.
Is raffia embroidery hard to learn?
Not at all! It’s a very simple technique - most people pick up the basics whilst doing their first project.
Caribbean-Inspired Embroidery
I first started working with raffia while designing my graduate collection in 2017. I was inspired by my Caribbean heritage and the straw souvenirs that decorated the homes of the Windrush Generation when they came to the UK. I started looking into traditional Caribbean straw crafts, and on a fabric research trip discovered natural raffia fabric which has a similar look and feel to the materials used in the Caribbean.
Since then, I’ve haven’t stopped exploring raffia embroidery! An outfit from my graduate Windrush Collection is now part of the London Museum's permanent collection, and I've spent years teaching this craft to others through workshops, kits, and now my book.
Raffia Bag
Raffia Coat
Raffia Monstera Leaf in Progress
Raffia Madras Pattern
Raffia Denim Jacket
Raffia wall hanging
For me, raffia embroidery is not only a joyful textile technique, but also a way of celebrating the Caribbean and keeping the Windrush story alive.
How to learn raffia embroidery?
Try a Raffia Embroidery Kit
Try a Raffia Embroidery Kit
Everything you need to create your own piece of raffia embroidery at home, at your own pace.
Workshops in London
Workshops in London
Join me in person for a relaxed, hands-on session. All materials provided, no experience needed.
Do a project from the book
Do a project from the book
My debut book, Raffia Embroidery, includes 10 projects with templates & step-by-step guidance.
Raffia Embroidery FAQ
Frequently asked questions about raffia embroidery.
Raffia embroidery is a hand embroidery technique decorating natural raffia fabric with paper, synthetic or natural raffia yarn using a needle. The result is textured, bold and distinctive.
Yes! Raffia embroidery is beginner-friendly and doesn't require any previous embroidery experience. Most people learn the basic technique within their first project.
Raffia embroidery can be used to create hoop art, wall hangings and bags. You can use it to decorate straw hats, denim jackets and other accessories. I also use it in fashion design, making pieces completely from raffia.
There are three types of raffia:
Natural raffia: a natural fibre made from the leaves of the raffia palm tree, which thrives in Madagascar and other tropical regions.
Paper raffia: a man-made alternative made from wood pulp or cellulose.
Synthetic raffia: another man-made from a mix of materials such as cellulose, rayon, nylon, or polypropylene.
Yes, under adult supervision, children as young as 6 can try raffia embroidery. I often work with museums to run family workshops, so follow me on Instagram (@tiharasmith) to know when the next one is.
I sell a selection of paper raffia yarn here on my website.
I sell woven natural raffia fabric by the sheet, perfect for raffia embroidery or other raffia crafts.
Want to learn more about raffia embroidery?
If you're excited by raffia embroidery, and want to learn more about new kit launches, workshop dates and little bit more about the inspiration behind it, join my email list and follow me on Instagram!