Cicim Weaving

An Interactive Guide to Anatolian Embroidered Flatweave

A flatweave enriched by supplementary embroidery thread

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Select a motif to read its symbolic meaning in Anatolian tradition.

Click any motif above to learn its symbolic meaning.

Origins

A flatweave painted with thread

Cicim (pronounced jih-jeem) is an Anatolian flatweave in which a supplementary embroidery thread is passed through the shed of a completed or partially completed plain-weave base fabric. Unlike sumak or kilim, where pattern and structure are inseparable, cicim separates them: the base weave provides the structure; the cicim thread provides the decoration.

The cicim thread floats over selected warp threads to create geometric motifs — diamonds, stars, hooks, ram's horns — that sit visibly on the surface. Between float rows, the thread dips back through the shed, remaining invisible on the back face.

2-layer

base weave + supplementary embroidery

float

the defining structural element

100+

documented Anatolian motif types

visible

embroidery on front only — hidden reverse

Distinction

Cicim vs. Zili

Cicim is often confused with its close relative zili. Both use supplementary weft on a plain-weave base, but they differ in how the float is structured.

Cicim

Short floats — typically 2–4 warps

Irregular float lengths create fine detail

Thread passes through shed between motifs

Embroidery appears raised on surface

Central Anatolia — Konya, Afyon

Zili

Longer floats — often 4–8 warps

Regular repeat pattern, bolder coverage

Float rows often cover full width

Flatter surface, closer to kilim appearance

Eastern Anatolia — Erzurum, Kars

Comparison

Cicim vs. other techniques

Property	Cicim	Kilim	Sumak
Structure	Base weave + float	Interlaced weft only	Wrapped weft
Pattern method	Supplementary thread floats	Colour changes in weft	Wrap direction & colour
Reversible	No — floats visible front only	Yes — always	Double sumak only
Texture	Raised embroidery on flat base	Completely flat	Diagonal ridges
Motif freedom	High — float length varies	Limited by slit geometry	Limited by wrap angle
Production speed	Slow — two-layer process	Fast	Medium

The cicim needle does not weave — it embroiders. The loom provides the canvas; the weaver provides the story.

— Principle of Anatolian cicim tradition

Uses

Where cicim is found

Prayer rugs (seccade) — cicim mihrab niches surrounded by motif borders
Pillow covers (yastık) — small cicim panels as decorative cushion faces
Saddlebags (heybe) — cicim-decorated bags for nomadic transport
Storage bags (çuval) — large sacks with cicim pattern panels
Floor coverings — runner and room-size cicim flatweave rugs
Wall textiles — hung as decorative panels in Anatolian homes

Structure

Cross-section of a cicim row — labelled

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