Textiles · Fes, Marrakech

Cactus Silk Cushion Cover

Shimmering cushion covers with geometric or abstract embroidered patterns. Made from sabra (cactus silk), a fiber extracted from agave plants.

History & Cultural Context

Sabra fiber has been used in Moroccan textiles for centuries. Despite the name, it is not true silk but a plant-based fiber with a natural luster. The fabric is hand-loomed and then embroidered with metallic or contrasting threads.

Materials

Sabra (cactus silk)Plant fiber from agave/aloe with natural sheen
Embroidery threadMetallic or contrasting colored threads for patterns

Production Techniques

Hand-loom weavingTraditional
Sabra thread woven on traditional floor looms
Hand embroideryTraditional
Geometric or floral patterns stitched by hand

Production Notes

Sabra fiber is extracted from agave leaves, spun into thread, and woven on hand looms. Patterns are embroidered by hand. Production per cushion cover: 2–4 days.

Quality Indicators

Authenticity

Slight texture irregularity

Quality

Natural sheen that varies with light angle

Red Flags

Perfectly smooth machine-woven fabric

Price Ranges

Budget60 – 150 MAD(~$6 – $15)

Small covers, simple patterns, may be partly synthetic

Mid-range150 – 350 MAD(~$15 – $35)

Standard size, genuine sabra, detailed embroidery

Premium350 – 700 MAD(~$35 – $70)

Large format, complex multi-color embroidery, matched sets