Wildcard: Embroidery
This project is an ode to Egypt's historic tradition of kiswah-making, revisited but remixed into a national emblem. Modernizing the hand-made practice by using digital design software, I converted our coat of arms into an embroidery file, and fabricated it with a computer-controlled sewing machine.
The Background
The kiswah is the sacred cloth draped over the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest site in Islam. For centuries, Egypt held the esteemed role of producing the kiswah, with the earliest piece being made in 1544 and that Egypt would be the official maker under the orders of Sultan Selim II in the late 16th century. Later on, the Dar al-Kiswa in Cairo would serve as a hub of craftsmanship and tradition, it was established by Muhammad Ali Pasha (Founder of Modern Egypt) in 1817, the workshop employed generations of skilled artisans to create intricate textiles using thousands of meters of silk and gilded silver wire. These textiles, adorned with Quranic verses and exquisite calligraphy, were not only masterpieces of Islamic art but also embodied the spiritual and cultural leadership Egypt provided to the Muslim world. Each year, the kiswah was paraded through Cairo before being carried by camel caravans across the desert, accompanied by Hajj pilgrims in a grand procession that linked Egypt’s artisans to Mecca’s sacred rituals. After almost 420 years, this centuries-old tradition came to an abrupt end in 1962, when political tensions between Egypt and Saudi Arabia led to the rejection of Egypt’s kiswah. King Faisal of Saudi Arabia used the Kaaba, which is now in present-day Saudi Arabia, as a political tool and ordered that the kiswah would be made in his country moving forward, marking the withdrawal of a privilege that had been Egypt’s for nearly a millennium. The rejection symbolized a shift in geopolitical power and was a poignant moment in the history of Egypt’s contributions to the religion and region. Today, the Dar al-Kiswa workshop is a relic of its former glory, its building in disrepair and its legacy largely forgotten.
This project uses modern digital embroidery to honor Egypt's historic role in crafting the kiswah. By combining computer-aided design with machine-controlled production, it echoes the precision and artistry of the Dar al-Kiswa craftsmen. Celebrating Egypt’s enduring legacy and connection to Islamic rituals, this work revives a fragment of cultural heritage, bridging the past and present.
I decided to make the Egyptian Coat of Arms in the style of Kiswah (Black & Gold).
The Works
For the embroidery, I chose Egypt’s most recognized national symbol: the coat of arms. It’s the Eagle of Saladin, first used in the Egyptian Revolution of 1952, a movement characterized by a profound reassertion of Egyptian nationalism. While it has been adopted by other countries after Egypt, the symbol is truly Egyptian, as it came from the Cairo Citadel, built during Saladin's reign.
Digitizing the Emblem for Embroidery
Using an free converter (Inkscape) to transform a PNG into a PES file for embroidery automates much of the digitizing process. The converter analyzes the image and assigns basic stitch types and colors based on the design's shapes and contrasts. While convenient, this process suprisingly did well with the precision of digitizing, with appropriate stitch density, alignment, or adding underlay stitches for stability. After conversion, it’s a good idea to review the file in embroidery software to fine-tune details, optimize stitch paths, and minimize thread breaks or puckering during embroidery. Once verified, the PES file can be loaded onto the machine for stitching.
The Machine does its Magic
I set up the Brother sewing and embroidery machine by threading it with gold thread and placing the black fabric securely in the hoop. After loading the PES file from the USB drive, I started the machine. It worked efficiently, stitching the design onto the fabric with precision. The process was straightforward, and the gold thread stood out clearly against the black background, producing clean and detailed embroidery.
The Final Product
After completing the embroidery, I carefully stitched the design onto my black backpack, creating a personalized accessory that reflects both craftsmanship and meaning. The gold emblem, representing my national identity, stands out prominently against the dark fabric, adding a bold yet sophisticated element to the bag. It feels deeply on-brand with my connection to my heritage, serving as a subtle but powerful statement of pride and individuality. Beyond its aesthetic value, the emblem also transforms a functional item into a representation of my cultural roots, aligning with my belief in blending modern practicality with meaningful personal expression. The final result is both clean and professional, making the backpack uniquely mine.
