Hmong Embroidery

I1: This shoulder bag piece was constructed utilizing reverse appliqué, appliqué, and other
embroidery techniques. The main motif featured is the snail design. Cucumber, flowers, and seeds, in running and chain stitches, are used as embellishments, as are the yarn fringes. The characteristic Hmong colors used include black, blue, red, green, and yellow. These bags were sometimes made for school children to carry their books to school in the refugee camps in
Thailand.

By an unknown artist, 1980s, 49x22 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Cultural Center

I2: This is a book bag made from black monk’s cloth, and cotton fabric. It is decorated with pom poms, and cross-stitch embroidery. The embroidered motifs include stars and
mountains.

By an unknown artist, 1980s-1990s, bag 73x26 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I3: This is a wallet/handbag made by the Hmong community in Germany. It is made from black monk’s cloth, and decorated with Hmong cross-stitch embroidery needlework. The motifs found on this handbag include the mountain, quarter rickrack, the heart, and the three-headed elephant. Wallets such as this one are used as accessories.

By Yia Lor, Germany, 2002, bag 13x30 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I4: This bum bag, or money belt bag, is made with black monk’s cloth and decorated with Hmong cross-stitch embroidery motifs. The motifs include an inverted elephant’s foot, arrows, diagonal bars, and flowers.

By an unknown artist, 1980s-1990s, bag 13x30 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I5: This bag functions as a cosmetics or shoe bag. It is hand-sewn and made from 100 percent cotton. The motifs of cucumber seeds are done in reverse appliqué. Similar items of many
colors and types, appealing to tourists, are for sale at the Night Market in Luang Prabang, Laos.

By Mai Lee Xiong, Laos, 2008, 35x15 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I6: This piece functions as an eye glasses bag, or an eye glasses pouch. It mimics the

Qua Sev, a decorative belt utilized for Hmong women’s clothes. The pouch was constructed utilizing appliqué work, and cross-stitched embroidery.

By Shoua Moua, 2011, 18x19 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I7: This piece pictures an inspired design for a jumper, featuring Hmong motifs and
embellishments. The main motif involves an elephant foot with center diamond embellishments.The motif was constructed in reverse appliqué and sewn as an appliqué onto a cotton fabric.The Hmong people did not learn how to use or make jumpers until they immigrated to the United States. Such items are used at home, given to American neighbors and friends, or sold at arts and crafts shows.

By an unknown artist, 1980s-1990s, 55x48 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I8: The hat depicted in this photo is a contemporary head covering made in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, for tourists. However, the materials were made from vintage Hmong embroidered
attire. The piece contains batik, cotton, and synthetic fabric, hand-stitching, and appliqué.

Sold by Pao Vang, Thailand, 2009, 41cm diameter
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I9: This pair of earrings includes Hmong-inspired elements and principles of design. The colors are vibrant reds, greens, and blues. The heart motifs were cross-stitched on monk’s cloth. The beads somewhat complement the shape and pattern of the embroidered hearts.

By Mai and Houa Mao Her, 2008, 10x8x1cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives

I10: This piece was made for commercial purposes by the Thai to sell to the Hmong and to be used in Hmong attire, including sleeve cuffs or the frontal placket of a jacket. The piece is a
machine-made pattern fabric that mimics Hmong embroidery needlework and motifs. The
motifs shown on this commercial machine-made fabric include snails, the sun, flowers,
mountains, and butterflies.

Machine-made, 2007, 39x10 cm
Photo by Xai S. Lor, item at the Hmong Archives