Hany is from a tentmakers family from Cairo. He started practicing his craft when he was just 12 years old. He has shared his skills to many classes around the world, including at the Siyadala NQF in Port Elizabeth in July 2017 and the Voices in Cloth International Quilt Festival in Pietermaritzburg in July 2024.

Khayamiya, or the Tentmakers of Cairo, create hand-stitched work similar to quilting. This needle-turned appliqué involves layering a cotton canvas as the base, with a background fabric and sometimes additional layers, forming intricate patterns. The technique uses three or more layers joined by stitching. Skilled artisans catch only the top of the canvas without penetrating it fully, utilizing the canvas like a hand-quilter’s thimble to guide stitches, making them nearly invisible. This traditional craft showcases precision and artistry in creating vibrant, quilt-like textiles.

Website/Blog: Hany Khiamiah