Our Story
Tikkiwallah textiles reflect the rhythms of rural life in Thailand and Laos. Deeply rooted in sustainable agricultural practices, rich cultural narratives, and community, our collections tell stories—from farm to loom to market.
Our textiles are made using cotton, hemp, and piat jungle vine — fibers that are traditionally farmed and woven by ethnic communities in Thailand and Laos. We prioritize sustainable farming practices, using fibers and botanical pigments grown seasonally. After harvest, the fibers are ginned, spun, and woven in the village, using traditional implements and looms.
Crafted in small batches with minimal intervention, our eco-friendly collections blend time-honored techniques with thoughtful contemporary design. The result: textiles that are functional, durable, and beautifully made.
Want to hear more? We encourage you to watch Subject Matter Lab’s podcast interview with Tikkiwallah Founder and Creative Director Rachna Sachasinh.
Our Philosophy
Tikkiwallah is a tribute to the artistry and energy of village textile markets in Thailand and Laos.
Our mission is to link artisan producers to buyers farther afield and to celebrate the integrity of local, sustainably-farmed, handwoven textiles. We are committed to preserving weaving traditions and to reviving the market for handwoven textile — from farm to market to loom.
Our vision is rooted in the spirit of village textile markets, where well-made textiles and goods are exchanged, where cultural stories are shared, and where meaningful connections are made.
Our Inspiration
Tikkiwallah is inspired by the deep cultural and sustainable connections between natural cotton, faitoon (undyed brown cotton), and indigo—fibers and pigments traditionally grown and woven by ethnic communities in Thailand and Laos. Cultivated together or in rotation, these materials help replenish the soil and form the foundation of the region’s rich textile heritage.
Our palette of brown, white, and indigo reflects the simplicity and functionality of everyday farm wear and village textiles. Rooted in sustainability and practicality, our collections embody comfort, durability, and easygoing elegance.
Our Name
Tikkiwallah is a portmanteau of two Hindi words: tikki and wallah. Tikki is a popular market snack in India. A fried potato patty, tikkis are typically enjoyed with tamarind chutney. Wallah means seller or maker. In markets across India, folks from all walks of life stop by the tikkiwallah stand for a quick snack. The energy is lively, and the tikkis come off the griddle at top speed! Although we don’t make or sell tikkis, we are inspired by the tikkiwallah’s buoyant spirit and their ability to bring people together.
Our Fibers
COTTON
TIkkiwallah cotton comes from Nambak, Luang Prabang and Oudomxay Provinces in Laos, and from Lamphun and Doi Tao in Thailand. The fiber is grown locally in the village or in a nearby village. We also use ‘fai toon’ or naturally-colored brown cotton.
Our artisan partners weave traditional wooden floor looms with natural hand spun cotton and plant-based dyes. Hand-spun cotton will often be soaked in “rice water” before weaving. This traditional ritual adds starch, and allows the cotton to maintain tension on the loom. All textiles are pre-washed prior to shipment.
HEMP
Tikkiwallah hemp is sourced from Hmong communities in northern Laos’ Houaphan Province, and Thailand’s Tak and Chiang Mai Provinces. Occasionally our artisan partners will send us hemp from their family network in Vietnam.
Our hemp is woven using on strap looms and dyed with naturally fermented indigo and natural botanicals. The hand-drawn, wax-resist indigo batik panels mix traditional and contemporary motifs. A smooth stone and cold beeswax is used to “polish” the cloth, endowing it with softness and a graceful lustre.
Hemp is a eco-friendly and versatile fiber: cool and light in the summer, and warm and cozy in the winter. It ages beautifully, developing a unique patina and texture over time. We use newly-woven hemp for home textiles, and vintage hemp for clothing.
PIET JUNGLE VINE
Piet (Pueraria phaseoloides) creeps and crawls its way across northern Laos’ fields and forests. Traditionally, Khummu communities used piet to make straps for baskets and bags for foraging and carrying wood. The crafting process begins with soaking the vine, removing the bark and separating the interior fibers into thin strips. Once dried and folded in skeins, a wooden reed is used to knot the fiber, turning it into bags and belts.
Our piet bags are made fully by hand and are 100% eco-friendly.
Fiber Care
COTTON
All cotton textiles are pre-washed and pre-shrunk, although slight shrinkage may still occur.
Please note, natural dyes fade gently over time.
For best results:
– wash with mild detergent on gentle cycle
– wash with like colors
– tumble dry on low-medium heat
– for best results, air dry, followed by 8 mintues in the dryer on low heat for a softer hand
HEMP
All hemp textiles are pre-washed and pre-shrunk prior to assembly, although slight shrinkage may still occur.
Please note, natural dyes fade gently over time.
Care instructions:
– wash with mild detergent on gentle cycle
– wash with like colors
– tumble dry on low-medium heat
– for best results, air dry, followed by 8 mintues in the dryer on low heat for a softer hand
PIET
Piet is a rustic fiber and can withstand daily use. We have washed it in a machine washer before without damaging the bags. That said, our recommendations are to handwash as detailed below.
Care instructions:
– spot wash or hand wash
– reshape the bag while it is still damp
– to dry, lay flat or hang by the straps
