The Hand-Crafted Embroiderers of Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan


The hand-crafted embroiderers of the village of Santa Cruz closet to Tzintzuntzan have gained fame among the women of their skill.  They have achieved their empowerment via this lovely skill.
Hand Crafted Embroiderers of Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan
Hand Crafted Embroiderers of Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan

Some of these women founded the cooperative Tata Vasco de Quiroga, which has been a recognized organization since 1980.
Mrs. Bertha Servin Barriga, a member of this cooperative, told us some of the history of these hand-crafted embroidery. She learned to embroider with Doña Teófila Barriga Gonzalez.  Initially, they worked with rococo and frayed embroidery. Later, she got into cross stitch and the traditional Purépecha embroidery.
Purepecha Embroidery
Purepecha Embroidery

In the beginning, Doña Bertha would draw designs on the ground, which would then be transferred to her embroidery designs.
In her community, many of the men immigrated to the United States, and the women needed to support their families. So, several women got together to see if their embroidery skills could be a source of income, and began to share stories, gathering in their homes to cook and chat.  And the group started to grow into something much more.
Doña Bertha Servin from the Coperativa Tata Vasco de Quiroga in Santa Cruz
Doña Bertha Servin from the Coperativa Tata Vasco de Quiroga in Santa Cruz

It wasn’t until 1989, when the group was seeking to expand their operation, that they participated in the program from the House of Artisans of Michoacán.  There, it was suggested that they develop a new design that incorporated their customs. Accordingly, the ladies’ cooperative settled on commemorating the famous Dance of the Old Men with embroidery, which would also help to keep alive this tradition.
Mexican hand-crafted embroideries from Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán
Mexican hand-crafted embroideries from Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan, Michoacán

It wasn’t long before the group’s ideas were taken seriously, and they were invited to the Artisan Fair in Pátzcuaro during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).  And before you knew it, they were being asked for quilts, dresses, tablecloths, cushions, and shawls.
Bertha Servin Barriga and its hand-crafted Embroiders at the House of the Eleven Patios in Patzcuaro
Bertha Servin Barriga and its hand-crafted Embroiders at the House of the Eleven Patios in Patzcuaro

Doña Bertha received her first award from DIF Michoacan (System for the Development of the Family), which she proudly displays in her store, and illustrates the evolution of her work over the years.
Hand - Crafted Embroiderers made by Bertha Servin Barriga from Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan
Hand - Crafted Embroiderers made by Bertha Servin Barriga from Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan

It is important to note that many of the finest embroidery works can take up to a year to finish, which you must consider when discussing the price of these works of art. Pay faire prices.
Among other advantages of this cooperative is that they are so organized, they can quickly deliver individual requests, offering great quality and a good price.
Mexican Artisan Clothing from Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan
Mexican Artisan Clothing from Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan, Michoacan

In our Hotel Mansión Iturbe, we support women’s work.  We have incorporated much of it into the decor of our Executive Lounge, giving it a vivacious Michoacán flair.
Embroiderers of Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan in the decoration of our Executive Lounge at Hotel Mansion Iturbe
Embroiderers of Santa Cruz, Tzintzuntzan in the decoration of our Executive Lounge at Hotel Mansion Iturbe

Our Executive Lounge at Hotel Mansion Iturbe in Pátzcuaro
Our Executive Lounge at Hotel Mansion Iturbe in Pátzcuaro

When you buy these embroideries, which are authentic works of Mexican folk art; you are literally acquiring stories captured on canvas.
Hand Crafterd Embroiders made by Bertha Servin and the women of Cooperativa Tata Vasco
Hand Crafterd Embroiders made by Bertha Servin and the women of Cooperativa Tata Vasco

In Patzcuaro, visit this cooperative’s store at the House of the Eleven Patios, on the second floor at no. 9.
Bertha Servin store at the House of the Eleven Patios in Pátzcuaro, Michoacan
Bertha Servin store at the House of the Eleven Patios in Pátzcuaro, Michoacan

Buying products directly from the artisans, you will have the experience of getting to know them personally, many of whom have won awards internationally.
Doña Bertha proudly showed us her most recent recognition granted by Western New Mexico University, recently awarded for her involvement in the Fiesta Latina 2019.
Bertha Servin awards for making her Hand Crafted Embroiderers
Bertha Servin awards for making her Hand Crafted Embroiderers

Don’t regret not having bought one of these Mexican hand-crafted embroideries, with the advantage that it won’t add much weigh to your luggage! You'll find products for all budgets. The quality, the color, the diversity, and the imagination that distinguishes Purépecha craftsmen (craftswomen, in this case!).

*Text and pictures property of Hotel Mansión Iturbe.


We invite you to check more post in our blog, you will find information about Patzcuaro and its surroundings that we hope will be useful for your trip to our colonial town in Mexico!

Here are some post that we suggest you:

Pottery in and around Patzcuaro

Plant - Fiber Crafts around Lake Patzcuaro

Sustainable Vacations in Patzcuaro


Hotel Mansión Iturbe
Portal Morelos 59
Plaza Vasco de Quiroga
61600 Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.
México.




Tels: +52 (434) 342 0368 / 342 3628



Fax: +52 (434) 342 3627

Toll Free fax number from USA & CANADA: 1-866 678 6102



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