Set of 4 placemats | Size: 19" × 13" (standard dining placemat)

Fair Trade & artisan-made in Southern India

Designed in the United States

Handwoven from upcycled banana stem fiber with natural cotton yarn

Crafted on traditional, non-electric handlooms

Natural yarns highlight the raw beauty and texture of banana fiber

Offered in a range of weaves for subtle variation and visual interest

Durable, lightweight, and biodegradable — ideal for everyday dining

Select styles include hand-braided or knotted details for added character

Comes packaged with a hangtag sharing the material, technique, and maker story

Ideal for gifting: Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, holidays, hostess gifts, housewarmings, weddings, and corporate gifting

MATERIAL & CARE

Materials: Banana stem fiber & natural cotton yarn

Care: Wipe with a damp cloth; spot clean with mild soap; dry in shade

To lay flat: Iron on low heat as needed (as much as the natural weave allows)

These placemats celebrate banana stem fiber in its most natural form. Using undyed yarns and a variety of weaving techniques, each design emphasizes texture, structure, and the organic character of the material itself.

Handwoven by skilled rural artisans — primarily women weavers — working within Fair Trade practices, these placemats offer an elevated yet understated tabletop option. Variations in weave, along with occasional hand-braided or knotted detailing, bring quiet distinction to each style while maintaining a cohesive, neutral palette suited to a wide range of table settings.

Naturally, banana plants bear fruit only once in their lifetime. During banana farming, the plant is cut close to the ground to allow new growth for the next season. The excess stems — typically treated as agricultural waste — are reclaimed and transformed into incredibly tough yet lightweight fiber.

In Southern India, banana stems are hand-stripped, dried, and twisted into durable ropes using hand-operated tools. These fibers are woven primarily by women artisans on traditional, non-electric looms, sometimes blended with natural cotton yarn for added strength and structure. Different loom techniques and hand-finishing details create a range of textures while preserving the integrity of the fiber.