A kikoi is a traditional rectangle of woven cloth originating from Africa. Considered a part of Swahili culture, the kikoi is mostly worn by the Maasai people of Kenya as well as men from Tanzania and Zanzibar. It is most commonly viewed a type of sarong.
What does kikoi mean?
Noun. kikoi (plural kikois) A piece of colored cloth used as clothing in Africa, wrapped around the waist and legs or shoulders.
What is a Kikoy towel?
The Kikoy beach towel is a 2-in-1 product now essential for your moments of relaxation at the beach. On one side, a traditional East African fabric called Kikoy made from combed cotton. On the other side, a fine terry towel to dry yourself, with a small pocket inside. A chic and practical beach towel.
What is a kokoi?
[ n ] a potent neurotoxin found in a particular frog.
What is a Kikoy in Kenya? – Related Questions
How do you wrap a Kikoy?
How to wear a Kikoi in the traditional way. You need to stand holding it at waist height behind you. Holding it close to the corners (depending on how long your arms are!) and wrap it around your body and hold it on your hip and repeat with the other side pulling it around firmly.
Where are Kikois made?
“A kikoi is a traditional rectangle of woven cloth originating from Africa, particularly along the east coast as far south as the Horn of Africa.
What is Kitenge fabric?
African print fabric, also known as ‘kitenge’ or ‘Ankara’ fabric, is 100% cotton cloth. The method of producing African print fabric is called batik, a wax-resist dyeing technique. The design and colours look the same on both sides of the fabric.
What is the most popular African fabric?
Kente is the most famous of all African textiles, and one of the world’s most complicated weavings. This cloth is woven by men on a combination of narrow hand-and-foot looms. It is traditionally woven for Ashanti royalty who wear it for ceremonial occasions e.g. ‘stooling’ or kingship.
What is the difference between Kanga and kitenge?
Kanga is a much lighter and thinner cloth than Kitenge (also known as African print fabric or ‘ankara fabric’ in West Africa). Kitenge is usually bought in continuous 3 or 6 pieces and is more popular for making clothing, curtains, cushions and bedding.
Does kitenge shrink?
Pre-Washed Fabric
We do this to shrink the 100% cotton fabric as much as possible before it is cut and sewn by our tailors. This means that if you follow our wash care instructions the kitenge fabric or garment will not shrink again when you wash it in the machine at home.
What is the difference between kitenge and Ankara?
You may be asking if there is a difference between Ankara and Kitenge. There is no difference between the two fabrics. Most of us have the Kitenge and are not even aware of what fabric we have. The two clothes represent our heritage and can be easily substituted when they are not sewn.
What is kitenge used for?
They are used as a sling to hold a baby across the back of a mother. They can hold the baby at the front as well, particularly when breast feeding. Kitenges are given as gifts to young women. They are sometimes tied together and used as decorative pieces at dinner tables.
Where does kitenge come from?
This fabric is an African wax print fabric called Kitenge, originating from East Africa. Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Sudan are some of the African countries where kitenge is worn.
What can I make with kitenge?
The Many Uses and Meanings of Kitenge
The fabric can be used to make various types of African print clothing including dresses, shirts, skirts and trousers. The clothing and fabric can be used for many occasions either symbolically or for practical reasons.
What sewn items sell best?
10 of the Best-Selling Items for Sewing Businesses
- Pot Holders. Food tastes best when it’s made with love, and kitchen décor is the same.
- Purses.
- Sewing Lessons.
- Clothes for Dolls.
- Embroidered Clothing Pieces.
- Clothes for Babies.
- Clothes for Dogs.
- Custom Alterations.
What can I sew that will sell well?
Sewing Projects to Sell for the Home
- DIY Rag Rug.
- Easy Table Runner.
- Aprons.
- Quilted Pot Holders.
- Reusable Sandwich Bags.
- Wine Bags.
- Christmas Stockings from Sweaters.
- 15-Minute Pom-Pom Pillows.
How do you soften kitenge fabric?
HOW TO SOFTEN YOUR STIFF KITENGI/ ANKARA/ AT HOME,
- Use fabric conditioner,
- Add liquid fabric softener to your washing machine.
- Use White vinegar (and it must be white – dark vinegar may stain fabrics).
- Wash with baking soda.
- Soak with Salt.
- Steam the Stiff Fabric.
- Tumble Dry Instead of Line Dry.
How do you soften fabric permanently?
Baking soda softens the fabric. Instead of using a pure detergent, you may add baking soda when washing your fabric. Place one cup of baking soda to your washing machine in a delicate setting. Vinegar works well with fabrics.