JUSI
Jusi, or husi in Filipino, is a delicate
It has an ethnic design form
with geometric abstraction
that represent ethnic motifs
and patterns, indigenous to
a community or tribal
culture. The designs
predominantly use straight
lines and plane shapes
(polygons) that are
executed using counted-
thread embroidery.
Philippine vegetable fiber used in making
Barong Tagalog and other dresses. It is
woven principally in Iloilo and western
Luzon: used for women's dresses and, to
some extent, for men's shirts. “Jusi”, in fact,
comes from the Chinese word for “silk.”
BRIEF STORY/BACKGROUND
Banana fabric now commonly called “JUSI”
was introduced by the Chinese traders during
the early times. The early Jusi is made up of
raw silk coming from the fibers of a butterfly’s
cocoon. Later, when the fabric become well
known and demands were high,
manufacturers were force to look for an
alternative raw material because butterfly’s
cocoon were very scarce and they discovered
that the fiber of a banana stalk is a perfect
alternative. The width of a Jusi fabric is 36
inches and is now produce by the use of
machines. The texture and natural color of the
fabric is ideal for embroidery that can be
made into formal wears, gown, and even gift
novelty items.