The stages of creating brocade products of the cooperative are done entirely by hand.

The brocade weaving craft of the Muong people in Com hamlet has existed and developed through many generations, becoming an indispensable part of the national cultural identity. Brocade products such as fabrics, scarves, bags, wallets, shirts, skirt waistbands, etc. are not simply items used in daily life, but also works of art created from the combination of sophisticated weaving techniques and the skillful hands of Muong women here. In 2017, Com hamlet, Dong Lai commune was officially recognized as a traditional brocade weaving craft village in Hoa Binh province. Currently, although the craft village is no longer maintained, brocade weaving is still the pride of Muong women in Com hamlet. In 2023, the Traditional Brocade Weaving and General Agricultural Services Cooperative of Dong Lai commune was established with 16 members to restore, maintain and develop the brocade weaving craft in the locality. After nearly 2 years of establishment, in 2025, the cooperative's brocade products were officially certified to meet 3-star OCOP standards. This is a source of pride and also a testament to the cooperative's efforts in preserving and maintaining traditional crafts and modernizing products to suit the times and meet market tastes and needs.

In late April, together with officials from the Tan Lac District People's Committee, we visited the cooperative model in Com hamlet, Dong Lai commune. Contrary to imagination, the "owners" of the very trendy scarves, wallets, backpacks... being sold by the cooperative are women who have become grandmothers, still wearing Muong costumes and still singing "thuong rang" while their hands are nimbly moving the shuttle on the weaving loom.

Mrs. Bui Thi Sung, the oldest member of the cooperative, shared: Weaving brocade is the pride of Muong women. By the age of nine or ten, most Muong women have mastered the work of the loom. Therefore, we are extremely excited and proud to be able to restore and maintain the traditional profession. With these products, we want to introduce the traditional culture of the nation, and at the same time, we hope to maintain the brocade weaving profession as a stable job, helping Muong women have more job opportunities and improve their lives.

It is known that all brocade products of the Cooperative are completely hand-woven from natural cotton fibers. The cotton harvesting, fiber bleaching, and weaving process are all carried out meticulously and elaborately. To create unique patterns, the members of the Cooperative have put into the brocade products beautiful stories, customs, and practices as well as the Muong people's views on the natural world and society. From these materials, the Cooperative makes products such as scarves, shirts, wallets, backpacks, and handbags with completely natural materials. Ms. Bui Thi Mia, 71 years old, a member of the Cooperative, said: Currently, we focus on building 100% handmade products from the stages of silk reeling, fabric dyeing, and brocade weaving. In addition, the Cooperative has also made many improvements in color and pattern coordination to produce products that suit the tastes of users. At the same time, improving sewing techniques to have quality products from the needle and thread.

With the initial solid steps, the cooperative has been aiming for the goal of sustainable development of brocade weaving. With an income of 4 - 5 million VND/person/month, brocade weaving has helped many women in Dong Lai commune have a stable income. By combining traditional and modern product approaches, the cooperative has created jobs, increased income and preserved and promoted traditional crafts.

In order to build the brand, the cooperative has participated in introducing and displaying products at many fairs and exhibitions in and outside the province. At the same time, it continues to promote research to launch many new products to meet the increasing demand of the market.

Phuong Linh