Miao Cotton Baby Carrier

A bright red panel with an embroidered crest and two long dark ties.

This Miao (Hmong) appliqué cotton baby carrier is Miao (Hmong), from Laos, and dates to the 20th century. It is applique cotton. Appliqué is a technique in which shaped pieces of cloth are stitched onto a ground fabric, and in Hmong needlework it is often combined with fine embroidery and geometric patterning. A vivid red cloth carrier with a stepped upper panel stitched in pink, green and white blocks, and a larger central field of fine concentric borders. Two dark fabric ties trail from the top, and the red ground is slightly creased. It is 18 inches wide and 25.5 long.

Every border was stitched like someone was timing the neighbors.