Mudmee: Unique and Beautiful Hand-Woven Thai Fabric

Mudmee, meaning “tied threads,” is an indigenous craft of northeastern Thailand, using the weft ikat technique. Mudmee is a kind of hand-woven fabric with patterns in weft ikat through a process of “wrapping to pattern” the yarns before dyeing and weaving.

 In the tie-dye process, natural dyes that are commonly used are indigo and lac. Though Mudmee can be woven from cotton yarn, the resulting Mudmee does not look as gorgeous as Mudmee silk. 

 This kind of textile is woven in almost all provinces in the northeastern region, such as Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Surin, Buri Ram, and Si Sa Ket, and many provinces in the central region, such as Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Lop Buri, Uthai Thani, and Chai Nat.

 Thanks to the encouragement of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother, Mudmee is now in wide use and is popular for its intricate patterns and unique characteristics. Mudmee silk may well be called the “Queen’s silk,” for it is to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit that credit is due for saving this unique and beautiful fabric from extinction.

 Mudmee blends perfectly with modern fashion. It has been adapted to the lifestyle of the new generation and to the designs of various accessories, such as cloth bags, scarves, and purses. The beauty of Mudmee, especially from local communities, has elevated this hand-woven fabric into a fashion item, designed to be suitable for everyday life.

Source: PR Thai Government