Embroidery and the qiyiqcha

A qiyiqcha-belbog‘ is a square cloth tied round the waist; it has been used since ancient times and, before buttons, held a chapan coat closed. It was also used as a prayer mat, tablecloth, handkerchief or knot-bag, and is still used at ceremonies. Qiyiqchas were made of plain cotton surp, satin, atlas and other cloth, about 110 × 110 cm. The edges are finished on the machine, a border of equal width is drawn on all four sides, and the design sits mainly on the four edges. The flower design is transferred to the cloth and sewn in chain stitch in a thread colour that differs from the cloth, with floss used doubled. The border width should fit the width of the stitch; afterwards it is pressed, first on the wrong and then on the right side. Machine, needle and iron work is under the teacher’s supervision.