Otomi stitching originates from Hidalgo province in Mexico, in the central highlands.

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The Otomi culture can be traced back to the pre-Aztec Mesoamerican era.  There is some evidence that people in this area used to embroider thousands of years ago. The designs are said to be based on the prehistoric cave and cliff paintings in the Tepehua-Otomi mountanis.

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Otomi embroidery as we know it today was made popular in the 1960s when the area in central Mexico suffered from severe drought and economic difficulties. The local people turned to their culture to determine new sources of income.

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Traditional Otomi embroidery, passed down from mother to daughter, is a labour intensive skill, used to decorate bedding, tablecloths, and clothing. However, the intensity meant that the creations were not economically attractive to customers. The technique was simplified, known as Tenangos.

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The craft is still a family affair, although now often includes the men. Families often have their own designs.

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Otomi stitching uses white cotton fabric and bright colours to stitch stylised native flora and fauna. Designs also include abstract shapes and mythical creatures. The designs are often used as symbols for spirits, nature and fertility, for example.

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Otomi stitching is all hand-stitched. The designs are drawn onto the fabric with pencil, before being stitched in bright colours. After washing, to remove the pencil, the items are hemmed.