Our vision
To be a leading global hub for indigenous skills and high-quality handicrafts that foster holistic transformation and equitable lives for all.
About us
Craftsmanship that restores dignity
A social enterprise founded in 2016, combining art, skill development and social impact while preserving heritage craftsmanship.
Our story
Empowering communities through craft
Cross Stitch International (CSI) is dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through craftsmanship, restoring dignity and creating sustainable livelihoods.
We work with women, men, youth, persons living with disabilities and individuals recovering from drug and substance abuse, and we promote gender equality and inclusive participation in all our programmes.
Through structured training in cross-stitch embroidery and other indigenous crafts, participants gain practical skills that lead to income, confidence and social reintegration. Our Creative Studio programme does the same for children and youth, through cross stitch, beadwork, crocheting, basketry and public speaking.
Through creativity, mentorship and market access, CSI transforms lives while preserving heritage craftsmanship.
Vision and mission
Our mission
To preserve and transfer indigenous craftsmanship by equipping vulnerable communities, youth and artisans with creative and income-generating skills that foster sustainable livelihoods, economic empowerment and the production of high-quality, culturally inspired handcrafted products.
Core values
What guides every piece
Empowerment
Building people through skills and opportunity.
Creativity
Encouraging innovation and artistic expression.
Integrity
Upholding excellence and accountability.
Inclusivity
Engaging women, men, youth and vulnerable groups.
Impact
Creating sustainable social and economic change.
What we do
Three areas of work
Training builds the skill, production turns it into fine work, and market access turns the work into income.
Skills training and capacity building
Structured training for children, youth and vulnerable groups.
- Cross stitch
- Beadwork
- Crochet
- Basketry
- Public speaking and creative expression
Product development and production
High-quality handcrafted products, made to order and in volume.
- Cross stitch framed artworks
- Beaded accessories and fashion: bags, hats, jewellery
- Crochet garments and décor
- Basketry and cultural crafts
- Home décor: cushions, wall hangings, table pieces
Market access and sales
Connecting artisans' work to buyers.
- Corporate and hospitality partnerships
- Exhibitions and gallery showcases
- Retail and custom orders
- Collaborative projects with partners
Beyond cross stitch
Beadwork, crochet and basketry too
Cross stitch framed artworks are our best-known work, but the same artisans and programmes produce beaded accessories and fashion, crochet garments and décor, woven baskets and storage pieces, and home décor such as cushions, wall hangings and table pieces.
Corporate and hospitality clients commission custom installations, interior décor, executive gifts and bulk production for hotels and organisations.
Commissions and corporate ordersWhy Cross Stitch International
Art with a purpose
We transform craftsmanship into income, dignity and sustainable livelihoods.
- Every product carries measurable social impact
- Handmade with precision and care
- Combines art with empowerment
- Supports vulnerable communities
- Preserves indigenous craftsmanship
- Unique, meaningful and timeless
Partner with us in transforming lives through craftsmanship and sustainable livelihoods.
Talk to us