Woven Works of Art: Mexican Textiles Offer Rich Hand-Crafted Style

Global decor and armchair traveling go hand in hand, and learning about the origin of your furnishings makes them that much more meaningful. Let's take Mexico, for example. The country is a fabulous source of woven and embroidered textiles, and the bright woven blankets, intricate pillow covers and graphic rugs bring rustic Southwestern style to any room.

Mexico is a huge country with a very rich art and hand-crafting tradition, but the region's most popular products come from three main indigenous peoples: the Saltillo, the Otami and the Zapotec. Each has its own signature pattern and style. Here's a breakdown of the three.

Saltillo

A bright Mexican blanket, or Saltillo serape, makes a great casual chair or sofa cover, especially for vintage finds that you haven't gotten around to re-covering. Since a blanket cover doesn't have to be permanent, take a chance with extra-bright colors to add a festive touch on a whim.

Saltillo is the capital of the northeastern Mexican state of Coahuila, famous for its locally woven multicolored blankets. Serape blankets are not only being created in the Saltillo region today; they have made their way into the modern culture and history of Mexico at large.


Those who prefer neutral colors can enjoy the striped Saltillo blankets too. The subtle pattern on a black, gray and white woven Mexican blanket adds depth to this eclectic contemporary bedroom.


Mexican blankets can also be used as one might use upholstery fabric. A vintage ottoman covered with an aqua striped version gives this living room a retro ethnic touch.


Vintage '40s Mexican Serape Saltillo Rug by Not Sew Idle - $500.00 » These blankets are always great to have on hand. I often use them as tablecloths during Mexican meals at home.


Otomi

Otomi embroidery, a product of the Otomi people of central Mexico, artfully represents flora and fauna in a stunning combination of bright colors or in just two or three colors, as seen on the pillowcases here.

The red and white embroidered Otomi pillowcases perfectly balance the suzani coverlet and yet stand on their own as wonderful sophisticated works of embroidery.


Large Otami pillows liven up the mix of midcentury modern furniture here, and their whimsical animal patterns are a fun reference to the forrest beyond.


Printed fabric with a pattern inspired by Otami embroidery makes a rich wall hanging that doesn't overpower this space.


Mexican Otomi Fabric - $345.00 » Otomi embroidery's intricate patterns represent many hours of handiwork.

See more on Otomi embroidery


Zapotec

Bold Zapotec rugs with diamond-like patterns that are similar to those of the Navajo people look great anywhere, though are especially suited for rustic spaces.

Zapotec weavers, indigenous to central Mexico, have their own tradition of rug and blanket weaving that is even older than that of the Navajo, though in recent years, they have began reproducing simplified versions of Navajo textiles. In any case, many of the design elements one finds in the Navajo textile patterns may have originated in the Aztec and Zapotec cultures of central and southern Mexico.


The simple graphics of a Zapotec rug give interest to this traditional bedroom with neutral tones without throwing off the balance.


Woven panels made to be used as pillow covers are also a fabulous way to cover a square stool. As the only bold pattern in this neutral beach-style living space, the woven covers add a rustic yet exotic touch


Colorful Authentic Zapotec Throw Pillow Cover with Fringe » Zapotec weavers create amazing works of woven art that beautifully complement Southwestern or rustic style, but they look at home just about anywhere on account of their rich colors and bold designs.

More: Modern Mexican style

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