Cairo, Egypt

Malaika

Malaika teaches hand embroidery to underprivileged Egyptian women and refugees through its self-funded "Threads of Hope" school, many holding a needle for the first time.

Two women in headscarves handle white fabric in a textile workshop.

A woman in a floral blouse and a man inspect fabric together in a workspace.

Artisans go on to work from home on fine Egyptian cotton linens, building sustainable income in a way that respects cultural and family expectations.

Hands guide a needle through colorful embroidered patterns on turquoise fabric.

Sustainable Technique

Hand Embroidery

Hand embroidery uses a needle and thread to create decorative designs directly on fabric. Artisans work individual stitches by hand to build patterns, motifs, and textures, often incorporating different thread colors, stitch types, and levels of detail to produce intricate designs that reflect traditional craftsmanship.