AYA Pillowcase – Set of 2

Aya pillowcase: the handmade pom-pom trim ball finish

Designed in 1997, this iconic model stands the test of time without losing its character. Each thread ball is shaped individually before being aligned along the edge of the piece. This delicate textile detail creates a subtle relief that discreetly enhances the combed cotton pillowcase.

An Aya ball is built with needle and thread, sometimes around a small core of rolled newspaper—an ancestral Moroccan craft, close to crochet—for a dense result that keeps its shape in the wash. This work is done at home by a network of women coordinated by an intermediary; the finished balls are then checked and assembled in the Marrakech workshop. Each Aya pillowcase has more than 100 balls, sewn one by one along its border.

In Marrakech, this geometric regularity requires constant attention to achieve an even finish. The story and secrets behind this creation process—emblematic of our handmade home linens—can be discovered in our Valérie Barkowski House Journal (valeriebarkowski.com/fr/blog/), especially in the article “The making secrets of our AYA home linens”.

Technical specifications, dimensions and colors

• Material: 100% premium mercerized combed cotton, white poplin
• Available sizes: 70 x 50 cm, 65 x 65 cm
• Packaging: sold as a set of 2
• Number of balls: more than 100 per pillowcase, sewn one by one
• Production lead time: made to order, 2 to 4 weeks
• Passementerie ball colors:Beige, Brick, Carmine, Khaki, Plum, Water, Crush, Aqua, Haroun, Fog
• Bespoke service: for a specific project or custom dimensions, contact our team at sales@valeriebarkowski.com

Care instructions

This combed cotton pillowcase is machine-washable at 40°C with a mild detergent, in a protective laundry bag to preserve the raised pom-poms. The pom-pom thread is fade-resistant. Natural air drying remains ideal to preserve the fiber structure and the pom-poms’ shape retention. Iron on the reverse to preserve the raised pom-poms. Each pom-pom is sewn individually: if one comes loose, it can simply be sewn back on.

Important point: the Aya finish is incompatible with the use of a calender, as the pressure irreversibly flattens the balls. For linen intended for industrial laundry treatment (notably hotels), we recommend another finish from the collection.

Pair the pillowcase with a complete Aya bedding set

To create a coordinated set, pair these pillowcases with the Aya duvet cover or the Aya bed sheet. Explore our full collections on our Bed Linen E-shop page.

“For your interior architecture projects or the furnishing of private residences, our studio can configure the Aya range dimensions and colors to suit your needs. For any professional laundry project (hospitality), please check compatibility with the Aya finish in advance (see Care instructions)”.