Antep işi embroidery consists of open works (perforated weave) formed by cutting and drawing threads on fabrics such as silk, calico, linen, marquisette, etc., whose threads can be pulled. As well as white threads on white fabric, beautiful embroidery can be made by using various colors together.

Antep İşi embroidery is started with drawing threads according to motifs to be embroidered.  Drawing threads is the removal of the weft and warp yarns of the fabric with the help of razor blades and scissors. After drawing threads, the fabric is stretched on a wooden frame called a gergef and the edges of the squares are wrapped around, i.e. cross stitched. The motifs are then embroidered onto the fabric. Classical embroidery, which is embroidered by applying basic openwork (needle techniques) such as Çitime, Çiti badem, Mercimek, Ciğer deldi, Kartopu, Cemaliyan, Örümcek, usually has floral, leaf, fruit, human motifs and geometric patterns.

Although the needle techniques used in Antep embroidery are standardized, it is possible to create very different and unique patterns with these needles. Those who create their own unique designs do not display their works everywhere in order to make their embroidery unique, and try to prevent other embroiderers from taking the model. In this way, the embroiderers are appreciated by those who see their works and prove their mastery.

“Antep İşi, drawn thread embroidery of Gaziantep” was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of  Humanity on behalf of Türkiye in 2025.