Mongolian Quilting Centre Ulaanbaatar

Last updated 5 months ago by Jessica Brooks | Published: March 28, 2018

The Mongolian Quilting Centre

The Mongolian Quilting Centre, known formally as the Shine Zamnal (New Way Life) NGO, was established in 2004 to empower disadvantaged and unemployed women in Mongolia. This initiative provides women with training in quilting, textiles, and embroidery, allowing them to generate income and support their families by crafting and selling handmade products. At the Centre, women produce a diverse array of items, from practical essentials like tote bags and tablecloths to unique fabric artworks, including beautifully crafted quilts made from upcycled and recycled materials.

The centre fosters flexibility, enabling women to work directly with the organisation or as independent artisans. Since its inception, the centre has trained over 4,000 individuals, with some establishing their own brands and teaching others, while around 25 women remain employed by the centre, sustaining its mission within the community.

As part of our commitment to supporting this NGO, each EL guest receives a complimentary tote bag crafted by the Mongolian Quilting Centre, helping to reduce plastic use while directly supporting the centre’s efforts. We also offer our guests the opportunity to engage in one-day quilting workshops, providing a firsthand experience of this impactful project.

An Interview with Selenge Tserendash, Founder of the Mongolian Quilting Centre

During a visit to the Mongolian Quilting Centre, I had the privilege of speaking with Selenge Tserendash, the centre’s founder, about her journey and inspiration behind Mongolia Quilts.

Mongolian Quilting Centre

What was your motivation for setting up Mongolia Quilts?

“I am a single mother, but I was fortunate to work as a lawyer and use my education and language skills as a tour guide. I realized that many other single mothers in Mongolia didn’t have the same security that education provided me. Many of them were unable to work because they needed to stay home. As a Buddhist, I felt a deep desire to help and began thinking of ways to create an income generation project.”

Why Quilting?

“Old clothing and fabric remnants are relatively easy to come by and inexpensive here in Mongolia. These materials can be transformed into products like cushions or tablecloths, and with the addition of embroidery, they become beautiful and unique. Quilting is something that can be done at home, with the only necessary equipment being a sewing machine. It’s also an ecological practice since it involves reusing materials. Additionally, embroidery is a significant part of Mongolia’s traditional culture.”

What are the challenges?

“Being based in Ulaanbaatar presents its challenges. It’s a demanding city. My dream is to live in the Mongolian countryside, surrounded by nature. Another challenge is securing a regular personal salary, which can be difficult. However, I find myself rich in friendships with genuine people. My role as Director of Mongolian Quilts provides a sense of balance in my life and contributes significantly to my happiness.”

Celebrating 20 Years: A Monumental Achievement

In 2024, the Mongolian Quilting Centre celebrated its 20th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, the centre created an ‘ulzii,’ a traditional Mongolian auspicious symbol, which they plan to register with the Guinness Book of Records. Standing at 5.72 meters high and 4.45 meters wide, this project includes 55 square sections and 3,550 individual elements. The project was a collaborative effort and contributions came from across Mongolia’s nine districts, all 21 provinces, and 20 countries, embodying the spirit of unity and dedication among participants. Learn more here.

Ulzii pattern by Mongolian Quilting Centre

In addition, a recent MNB World interview with Selenge provides an insightful overview of the impactful work being done at the Mongolian Quilting Centre.

Experience Mongolian Quilts with Eternal Landscapes

Would you like to experience the work of Mongolian Quilts firsthand? As Selenge notes, crafting requires patience and dedication, with each piece a harmony of fabric, silk, and colour. As part of our series of Mongolia one-day tours, you’ll have a unique chance to spend a day at the Mongolian Quilting Centre in Ulaanbaatar. This hands-on workshop lets you work alongside the female artisans and gain insight into a meaningful, community-driven organisation. You’ll leave with a stunning Mongolian-style wall hanging as a memento of your experience.

‘It was amazing to meet Selenge and all of the women at the quilting centre. It was a really inspiring experience to get to see the wonderful work they are doing and learn all about the projects they are doing! They were incredibly welcoming and it was really great to spend some time there with them.’ Emma

Alternatively, you can visit the Mongolian Quilting Centre on Seoul Street in central Ulaanbaatar. Discover one-of-a-kind Mongolian-themed embroidery and artwork, each reflecting the country’s rich heritage. By purchasing from the centre, you’re not only acquiring a beautiful keepsake but also contributing to a social enterprise that empowers women and uplifts the community.

For more information, reach out to Jess @ Eternal Landscapes.

Jessica Brooks

I'm Jess Brooks, the founder of Eternal Landscapes Mongolia and the voice behind EL's blog posts. For almost two decades, since 2006, I've been based in Mongolia, working closely with my beloved Mongolian team to advocate for a tourism approach that brings about positive change.. What sets our blog apart is our deep understanding of Mongolia—our home. Unlike content from influencers or creators, our posts prioritise authenticity and firsthand knowledge as guiding principles.

Empowering Women Through Craft: Inside the Mongolian Quilting Centre

Khovsgol Ice Festival

One Day Tours – Experience Local Mongolia