If you haven’t been acquainted with inabel fabric yet, get ready to discover a world of gorgeous handwoven items. Inabel fabric is a handwoven fabric native to the Ilocos region (it gets its name from “-abel”, which means “to weave”). The craft has been passed down for generations, producing a distinct that’s used to create beautiful home items and even clothing.
But because of competition from factory-processed textiles (as well as more lucrative jobs in more urbanized areas and foreign countries), there are now fewer inabel weavers to continue this tradition. So by purchasing an inabel item for your home, you’re not just getting something pretty, but are also helping keep an ancient tradition alive. Read on to find out where you can make your purchase.
Abel PH
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Abel Philippines employes 50 weavers who produce fabrics exclusively for the brand. They’ve got a wide range of products, and are especially popular for their giveaway packages (for weddings, birthdays, corporate events, you name it!).
To order, DM them on Instagram or send them a message over Viber at 09054776694.
Locano
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For centuries, weaving has been used to tell stories, and Locano’s patterned fabrics tell stories. Holding hands (agkibkibin) means “we stand together”; fishing (agkalkalap) means “we’ll meet you by the sea”; flowers (sabong) mean “we’ll meet by the mountains”; and stars (bituen) mean “we’ll guide you through”. Which pattern speaks to you?
To order, visit their official website. (Also, check out their version of the Good Morning towel, which uses the Binetwagan pattern.)
Balay Tiabel
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Based in Bangar, La Union, Balay Ti Abel mixes modern design with age-old production techniques, partnering with their town’s talented loom owners and weavers to revive and promote the beauty of able weaving.
To order, visit their Shopee page.
Elyu Weaving
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As its name suggests, Elyu Weaving is also based in La Union, and sources their inabel products directly from local weavers. Apart from the usual home items (blankets, throws, pillowcases, etc.), they also sell inabel bathrobes, ponchos, totes, and more!
To buy, visit their Shopee store.
Mang Inabel
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Based in Metro Vigan, Ilocos, Mang Inabel’s handcrafted inabel products will look great in any corner of your home. If you order at least 10 pieces of one item, you can avail of wholesale prices.
To order, send them a DM on Instagram.
Inabel La Union
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Inabel La Union offers the usual plan or patterned woven fabrics, but you can also customize your orders with embroidery, your favorite color, and design (allow for some lead time, of course).
To shop, visit their Shopee page.
Ima Inabel
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Live in Mindanao? You don’t have to shell out extra to get fabrics shipped to you from the Northern provinces, thanks to Ima Inabel, which is based in Davao and Tagum City. Apart from inabel items, they also sell handwoven baskets and placemats.
To order, send them a DM on Instagram.
Balay ni Atong
Most inabel shops sell items that more or less look alike, but Balay ni Atong changes things up with more playful colors, patterns, and mixing inabel with other fabrics.
To order, visit their official website.
Got any other inabel shops that you recommend? Share ’em in the comments below!
