At Welana, each product begins its journey in Ethiopia — shaped by skilled hands, inspired by ancient weaving traditions, and rooted in a philosophy of fairness and sustainability. From locally sourced cotton to traditional handlooms, this is how our textiles come to life.
Women in Ethiopia spin raw cotton into thread using drop spindles, often from their homes or in cooperatives. These handspun threads form the base of all Welana textiles and are sourced both from Sabahar and Maraki's in-house teams and local suppliers.
Our partner Sabahar mainly uses natural dyes made from plants, flowers, bark and roots. Additional colors are applied using high-quality, certified eco-reactive dyes from the Bezema Group.
Every textile is woven on a handloom. Artisans use their hands and feet to operate the loom, adjusting it for each specific product. This traditional method gives each piece its unique character.
After weaving, edges are neatly twisted and knotted by hand. Final quality checks ensure that each item meets our high standards for durability, beauty, and ethical production.
Ethiopia has a rich cotton tradition. White cotton garments are worn at holidays and weddings, and spinning is a craft passed down through generations. Our partners buy unspun cotton directly from women in Addis Ababa and also use mill-spun cotton for consistency in warping.
Introduced to Ethiopia in 2000, Eri silk is cultivated sustainably. Unlike traditional silk, the moths are not harmed. Caterpillars feed on castor plants and spin their cocoons over 45 days. This silk has a slightly textured, matte finish — perfect for scarves and blankets.
Welana works with two local producers
We selected our local partners Sabahar and Maraki based upon the principles of fair trade, dignified treatment of employees, fair wages, provision of health insurance, overall community support and the use of natural fabrics for our products.
An Ethiopian Fair Trade member, Sabahar blends traditional weaving with modern design. Their values: sustainability, innovation, and care. Visit: sabahar.com
Partnered with the Former Women Fuel Wood Carriers Association, Maraki focuses on ethical production and cultural heritage, creating fair opportunities for local artisans. Visit: maraki.io
To see first hand how our producers work, both, Sabahar and Maraki were visited by us multiple times. The most recent exchange in Ethiopia with the respective management teams and weavers took place in 2024.
Ethiopia is not only the birthplace of coffee and home to ancient kingdoms — it's also where vibrant textiles are deeply intertwined with everyday life. From the bustling markets of Addis to the quiet beauty of the Simien Mountains, the culture and spirit of Ethiopia are woven into every Welana piece.
