Authentic heritage textiles. Designed by Alona, handwoven by the indigenous communities of Apayao & Ilocos.
Your purchase directly supports artisan wages and the Bukas Palad NGO.
Welcome to Apayao Threads. Founded by Peter and designed by Alona, our store is deeply personal. We work directly with Isneg and Tingguian weavers, ensuring fair trade rates significantly higher than standard markets. This partnership honors their craft and preserves invaluable traditions.
Witness the weaving process
Apayao’s weaving culture is a hidden gem – rare, raw, and deeply cultural. Unlike more commercialized regions, Apayao offers textiles woven using traditional backstrap techniques, featuring distinct geometric patterns and natural dyes.
Handcrafted items available for international shipping.
Elegant dress featuring the optical 'Binakul' pattern used for spiritual protection. High-grade cotton.
₱ 7,500
Includes 1 Men's Shirt, 1 Dress, and 1 Child's garment. Perfect for family photos.
Ensure the perfect fit. Measure directly on your body.
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Shop on AmazonExplore the stories behind the weaves.
Unlock the weaver's story and pattern meaning. Coming soon to all shipped items.
Watch: The Art of Inabel
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We ship worldwide! Allow 7-21 business days. Costs calculated at checkout.
Accepted for defects within 7 days. Custom orders final.
Inabel, meaning "woven" in Ilocano, represents a rich weaving tradition from Northern Luzon, Philippines. Crafted on traditional wooden looms, this handwoven textile carries techniques passed down through generations. The patterns themselves are narratives, reflecting the history and beliefs of the Ilocano and Apayao people.
The process is intricate, starting with preparing cotton—picking, cleaning, pounding, twisting into yarn, and winding onto skeiners. After brushing for durability, the yarn is spooled and warped onto the loom. Heddling follows, where each thread is carefully passed through the heddles and reed before the weaving ('agabel') can begin.
Common patterns like 'binakul', a dizzying design, are believed to protect the wearer by warding off evil spirits. Others include 'pinilian' (brocade) and 'suk-suk'. While Ilocos weaving is more known, Apayao offers a uniquely raw and less commercialized expression of this art, featuring distinct backstrap methods and symbolic tribal motifs using natural dyes. Our collection primarily highlights these rare Apayao textiles, alongside select Ilocos pieces.
By choosing Apayao Threads, you embrace exceptional quality, unique designs found nowhere else, and support the artisans keeping this vital heritage alive.