Throughout all their history, the Hmong have maintained many traditions and skills. Perhaps foremost are the traditions involved in Hmong textiles, which have often been used in the place of a written language to preserve the people's history. Though the Hmong can now record their history in pen, many still choose to document their lives using the traditional methods, creating pictorial weavings called story cloths. Each cloth tells a tale, depicting everything from village life to the Hmong’s flight from Asia.

The patterns and symbols found on Hmong textiles are called paj’ntaub (pronounced “Pan Dau”) which means “flowery cloth”. Their designs use complex stitching techniques, including but not limited to: batik, appliqué, reverse appliqué, embroidery, and counted cross stitch. Each piece is hand made without a pattern, using only those traditional designs.

The Hmong and their handwork show the rich history of an incredible people. The Hmong adapt their skills beyond the ceremonial and decorative to more practical items, like pillow cases and aprons. They are a people who are used to relocation, persecution, and adaptation, and they will continue to preserve their ancient traditions through their struggles far into the years to come.