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Apayao Threads: Woven in silence. Echoed worldwide.

Indigenous pride, slow woven craft, heritage reborn. International store.STAY TUNED We are building our business!

Shella working with weavers

Designed by Shella, Woven by Community

Welcome to Apayao Threads, a celebration of Filipino artistry and sustainable fashion. Founded by Shella, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Education and is a passionate Fashion Designer, this store is deeply personal. Shella shares indigenous roots with the very communities in Apayao where our unique products are sourced.

These connections, built on generations of trust and respect within our family business, allow us access to a unique, less commercialized weaving culture. We work directly with the Isneg and Tingguian weavers, ensuring they receive significantly higher rates than standard markets offer. This direct partnership honors their craft and helps preserve their invaluable traditions.

Each piece in our collection is custom handmade, featuring Shella's original designs blended with traditional techniques. We believe in the exceptional quality and durability of these high-grade fabrics, meticulously crafted by local hands.

A Passion Woven Through Heritage: Connecting Flanders and Apayao

My journey into the world of authentic textile arts is deeply personal. Growing up with Flemish roots, I inherited a profound respect for the craft of weaving. Flanders carries a legacy of textile artistry, with Flemish woven products historically celebrated for their quality and intricacy around the world. This heritage instilled in me an appreciation for the skill, patience, and cultural significance embedded in every handwoven thread.

Witnessing the incredible, yet often unseen, talent of the indigenous Apayao community in the Philippines resonated deeply with this respect. Their inabel weaving is a vibrant expression of their unique culture and skill, an art form deserving of global recognition. I felt a strong desire to help revive and sustain these precious weaving traditions, giving this dedicated community the chance to share their artistry on a wider stage – much like the artisans of Europe have done for centuries.

This belief drives my commitment. It's why I personally travel to our local communities, forging relationships with the weavers and immersing myself in their craft. Shella helps craft the design, while this hands-on approach allows me to meticulously select only the highest quality pieces, ensuring that every item we offer reflects the exceptional skill of its maker. I personally check the quality of each piece, guaranteeing its authenticity and craftsmanship.

By bringing these unique Apayao creations to you, we aim to do more than just sell a product. We hope to bridge cultures, celebrate untapped artistry, and provide a sustainable platform for these talented weavers. Each purchase directly supports the Apayao community, empowering them to continue their invaluable traditions for generations to come.

The Legacy of Inabel: Weaving Stories into Fabric

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.

Our Collection: Handmade with Heritage

Explore unique Filipino products: beautiful women's dresses, men's clothing, versatile pouches, children's items, and stunning carpets – durability and style woven together.

Featured Products

More products coming soon...

Binakul Pattern Dress - Handwoven Filipino Dress

Binakul Pattern Dress

Handwoven in Paoay, Ilocos Norte

An elegant dress featuring the iconic 'Binakul' optical pattern, traditionally believed to offer protection. Crafted from high-grade, durable cotton using time-honored techniques. A wearable piece of Filipino heritage.

Available Sizes: S, M, L, XL
P 7,500

Measurement Guide

Ensure the perfect fit by following our measurement guide. Measure directly on your body, keeping the tape measure snug but not tight.

Chest measurement diagram

Chest

Measure around the fullest part of your chest, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.

Waist measurement diagram

Waist

Measure around your natural waistline, the narrowest part of your torso.

Hips measurement diagram

Hips

Measure around the fullest part of your hips and bottom, keeping the tape parallel.

Inseam measurement diagram

Inseam

Measure from the top of your inner thigh down to the desired hem length.

Please refer to specific product pages for detailed size charts if available.

Place Your Order Request

Interested in owning a piece of Apayao heritage? Fill out the form below to request your order. We'll confirm availability, details, and payment options with you.

Currently featuring the Binakul Pattern Dress. For other items or custom requests, please specify in the notes section.

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Order Details

International Shipping

We proudly ship Apayao Threads worldwide! Shipping costs and delivery times vary. Costs are calculated at checkout. Please allow 7-21 business days for delivery, depending on location and customs. Buyers are responsible for any import duties or taxes. Tracking provided.

Returns & Exchanges

Due to the handmade nature of our items, we only accept returns/exchanges for defective/damaged items within 7 days of delivery. Please inspect upon arrival and contact us with photos if needed. Items must be unused/in original packaging. Custom orders are final sale.

Connect Deeper with the Craft

We believe in transparency and connection. Explore the stories behind the weaves.

Discover the Stories

QR Code Placeholder sample QR ART sample

Scan product tags for weaver stories (Coming Soon)

"Meet Manang Elena, a master weaver with 40 years of experience..." (More Bios Coming Soon)

Meet the artisans

Witness the Weaving Process

Support Our Community, Preserve Culture

Your purchase directly empowers the Apayao weavers and helps safeguard precious Filipino traditions for future generations. Choose ethical. Choose heritage. Choose Apayao Threads.