20 Ways to Use a Chitenje

A chitenje is printed cloth typically sold in two meter increments. You can find them throughout Malawi. They are most commonly wrapped around and worn as a skirt by females. However, I have learned there are many other uses for this amazing item. My goal is to come up with 100 different ways to use a chitenje before I leave Malawi.

A typical chitenje vendor on market day will have many for you to choose from. The local trading posts will have a smaller selection and usually charge more.

Here is the first list of 20. I have used zitenje (plural of chitenje) in each of these different ways so far:

Wrap it around your waist and wear it as a skirt

Tailor it into a blouse or skirt

Tailor it into a dress

Wrap it around you as a shawl

Hang it as a curtain

Cushion eggs while in transit

Privacy screen in the bafa

Cover your water bucket

Use as a towel after bathing

Cover your underthings on the clothesline

Outdoor blanket to sit on

Potholder

Tablecloth

Baby sling

Rug

Lap blanket

Bathrobe

Carry stuff in it

Clean your paraffin lamp

Wet it and drape over you to sleep in the hot season