Rbati, Slaoui and Fassi embroidery are all Moroccan, but each has its own way, and even one city has older and newer forms. Don't judge a piece by its name or a small photo: look at the whole thing and let the maker explain how she made it.
Clothing, household linen, family celebrations
You'll find embroidery on the Eid djellaba, the wedding caftan, cushions and linen, and on pieces that stay in a family for generations. Before you look, be clear about what you want: clothing, linen or a piece to give? And how will it be used? That helps the maker suggest the right technique.
When you hear Rbati, Slaoui or Fassi
Rbati, Slaoui and Fassi embroidery each have their own way of working, but a name alone can't judge a piece. Ask the maker where she learned, which technique she used and when the piece was made.
In Rabat and Salé
In Rabat and Salé, you will find older embroidery linked to counted thread and inherited designs, alongside newer forms that use more colours, compositions and settings. Don't judge a piece from a small photo; ask for a full view and a close-up.
In Fès
Tarz fassi and tarz el-ghorza use counted thread with horizontal, vertical and diagonal stitches. That describes a technique, not a rule for every piece made in Fès. Ask the maker whether her work follows that method.
With the maker or cooperative
Let the maker tell you what she did by hand, what she takes from older work and what she adds herself. Look at the whole piece and up close, and ask about the fabric, thread, timing and price. Then you know what you're buying, and you give the work its due.
A good place to start
Ask about the city, technique and workshop, and let the maker explain her work before relying on the words Rbati, Fassi or Slaoui.
Yacoub El Mansour, Rabat
2 services
Haute couture by Nadimoda cooperative
Nadimoda_caftan in Rabat invites you to bring the caftan of your dreams to life! Design your unique piece, en…
Hassan, Rabat
Hindou offers a wide selection of modern and traditional turbans for women in Rabat, Hassan. Each turban is c…
@Hindou
Hassan, Rabat
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Lebsa
At 'Lebsa', we offer you the art of exquisite tailoring, where Moroccan authenticity meets contemporary flair…
Yacoub El Mansour, Rabat
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création bejt bladi
At "Meriame Moussa" in Rabat, Yacoub El Mansour, we warmly welcome you to discover the heart of authentic Mor…
See them all on Hdaya
Many Moroccan homes have an embroidered piece: a cushion a grandmother made, the Eid djellaba, a caftan that only comes out for weddings. Tarz is learned hand to hand and takes time and patience, which is why a piece stays in the family for years.
Every city has its way, every maker her hand. No embroidery is better than another; there's the one you like and the one that suits the piece you want. Families don't agree either: some want the old designs exactly as they were, others love new colours.
If the piece is for a wedding, also read Henna at a Moroccan wedding. If you're redoing your salon and want a touch of embroidery on the cushions, see Upholsterer and Moroccan salon.
On Hdaya you'll find embroiderers and cooperatives in your city: look at their work and send them a photo of the piece you have in mind.
No. Rbati, Slaoui and Fassi are not identical, and both Rbati and Slaoui have older and newer forms. But to place a piece you need the technique, the whole piece and its context, not just a small motif.
It is a form of Fassi embroidery worked in counted thread with horizontal, vertical and diagonal stitches. The maker is the one who can tell you whether her work follows it.
Ask about the city or method as she describes it, whether it's handmade, the fabric and thread, who made it and what the price includes.
Yes, it can draw on it. Ask the maker where she follows the older method and where she added her own touch. A craft stays alive when it is learned and renewed.
Procedures change. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will check it again.