SARAWAK’S age-old tradition of keringkam embroidery, once worn as a symbol of grace and prestige, is finding new life through modern artisans determined to preserve its legacy.
Bound by friendship and a shared passion for heritage, three friends from Kuching are weaving thread of gold and silver into Sarawak’s timeless keringkam embroidery (penyulam keringkam)
For Fadilah Sahari, 39, from Petra Jaya, the journey of keringkam embroidery began in 2007, when she first learned under Kraftangan.
“I learned since 2007. It took me about a year to refine my embroidery skills so that the outcome would be very neat.
“Little by little, I began producing. Now, alhamdulillah, there is production.
“And after a few years, I joined the company belonging to my friend, Sharifah Zuriana, aged 49. Then, another friend, Azylah Adami, aged 41, joined us.
“So now there are three of us, and from there we’ve grown,” she told Sarawak Tribune at the Borneo Sarawak Craft Festival 2025 at the Kuching Waterfront.
The three friends, united by skill and friendship, continued to craft selayah (veil) and selendang (shawl) in gold and silver threads, along with cushion covers and framed pieces in the art of keringkam.
Despite the beauty and delicacy of their work, the journey is not without its challenges.
“The challenge is competition. Nowadays, there are many younger competitors. But I see it as healthy competition,” she said enthusiastically.
She added that most of their creations are ready-made.
“So when someone likes it, they can just buy it right away. As for custom orders, I haven’t taken any so far, as I usually focus on ready-made pieces.
“If the opportunity arises, I would be delighted to take custom orders,” she added.
She shared that their customers come from all walks of life, retirees, ordinary people, and those preparing for engagement or wedding ceremonies.
“Quite a lot, actually. Many will call me and tell me what kind of design they want. Then we’ll discuss and decide on what design to make,” she said
Each keringkam starts from RM2,000, depending on the quality of the thread and the design.
“It used to be cheaper because the thread was cheaper. The difference in keringkam maker lies in the fineness of the embroidery.
“Some people’s work is a bit coarse, but mine is very fine. I even count the threads as I embroider,” she said.
Her most valuable piece was sold for RM5,500, featuring a three-sided border (sisi tiga) with tabur kerang and bunga ros mekar (blooming rose) motifs, which in this piece includes six full blooms meticulously stitched.
“It takes a long time, especially when I want it to turn out perfectly neat. A single piece as such can take about a month to complete.
“For a simple design, it could take a week, if I’m really focused,” she said.
Among the embroidery motifs they stitch are Pucuk Rebung, Palak Lalat, Tabur Bunga Tanjung, Tabur Kerang, Bunga Ros Mekar, Ros Kuncup, Ros Melelat, and Tampuk Pedadar.
“Traditionally, red chili (merah cabik) remains the most iconic colour of Sarawak’s keringkam.
“That’s my favourite too, hot red chili pepper. What makes keringkam special is its uniqueness, fineness, and their shine,” she said.
She also shared tips on how to care for the delicate embroidery.
“The way to take care of it is to wrap it with wax paper or brown paper, then store it in a box so it won’t be exposed to wind or dust. Don’t fold it, or else the keringkam will break,” she stressed.
Fadilah and her friends also share their passion through teaching, opening the intricate world of keringkam embroidery to others.
“Yes, we do conduct classes and we will conduct one in early December which last for three days,” she said.
She added that each session, if there are ten participants, costs RM600 per person.
“I provide all the materials — so they can just come and learn. I provide everything, from frame, needle, thread, cloth, everything,” she said, ensuring that her students can focus entirely on learning the craft.
The students range widely in age, though most are retirees.
“Most are around 45 years old and above, maybe because they’re retired.
“But there are also younger learners. Still, most are in the 45 plus range,” she said.
Through these classes, Fadilah hopes to nurture the next generation of keringkam embroiderers .
“My hope is that there will be new successors to replace the older generation to continue this heritage in Sarawak.
“Because it only exists in Sarawak, no other state has it. I hope new artisans will come in to carry it on,” she said.
