Arpilleras (pronounced "ar-pee-air-ahs")are three-dimensional appliqué textiles of Latin America. A contemporary craft, the first ones were made by the Mothers of the Disappeared in Chile to tell their stories and support their families.

Crossroads Trade carries Peruvian arpilleras and Bolivian two-dimensional applique textiles. The Peruvian textiles are the work of a women's coop in Lima. Its members have left Andean villages, coming to the city to seek a better life. Many of their designs evoke markets, harvest, fiestas and tragedies of village life. The women work together in a one-room brick building in their neighborhood. Their younger children are with them during the day.

The Bolivian applique textiles are the work of members of a coop in the lowlands of eastern Bolivia. Their designs likewise reflect daily life, with themes of fishing, gathering food and fuel and tending animals. The women usually work from home. Whereas the Peruvian arpilleras are amazingly detailed, realistic depictions of daily life, the Bolivian textiles are much more fanciful.

Crossroads Trade works with both groups to develop new designs and products. Both cooperatives have set prices for their products. Crossroads Trade pays in full for the products before taking delivery, so that the women do not have to wait for their earnings.