KANTHA EMBROIDERY

Traditional Kantha Embroidery Is A Traditional Folk Art Of Bengal And Was Significantly
Used In Kantha Quilt. The Craft Revived Worn-Out Textiles Or Rags As New. The
Embroidery Not Only Depicts Kantha Stitch & Designs But Also Expresses Creativity,
Patience, Imagination & The Craftsmanship Of The Common Bengali Woman. We Are Now
Working With A Cluster Of Kantha Artisans Situated In The Birbhum District Of Bengal To
Produce Beautiful Kantha Embroidered Fabrics.

SHOW ALL PRODUCTS

INTRODUCTION TO KANTHA EMBROIDERY:

Kantha fabrics originated in the homes of common folks of Bengal & is perhaps the simplest form
of embroidery. And in spite of its simplicity has a rich and elegant look. Traditionally Kantha was
embroidered on old layered cloth with "running stitch pattern", drawn out of the borders of old
sarees. It usually depicted some stories of daily life, folk stories, epics, mythological background,
ritualistic motifs, luxurious vegetation with roaming animals etc. The entire layered cloth was
covered with running stitches resulting in a slightly wrinkled effect.
 KANTHA STITCH HISTORY:

Kantha embroidery is an ancient craft, originating from India and was majorly found in West
Bengal. The traditional folk art was popular in Bengal & the word itself meant ‘Patched Cloth’,
and has been especially used in quilting since its early days. In fact, it is believed that the word
Kantha is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘kontha’ meaning rugs. The thought behind this
needlework was to reuse old clothes and materials and turn them into something new. Kantha
embroidery designs were practiced by people from all social background. This is what makes
Kantha stitch history one of its kind.

TYPES OF STITCHES

Running stitch: They are subdivided into Nakshi (figured) and par tola (patterned). Nakshi
kanthas are further divided into motif or scenic kanthas.

Lohori Kantha: This type of Kantha design is particularly popular in Rajshahi. These kanthas are
further divided into soja (straight or simple), Kautar khupi (pigeon coop or triangle), borfi or
diamond (charc

Lik or anarasi : The Lik or Anarasi (pineapple) type of Kantha is found in the Chapainawabganj
and Jessore areas. The variations are lik tan, lik tile, lik jhumka, and lik lohori.

Cross-stitch or carpet: This type of Kantha was introduced by the English during the British Rule
in India. The stitch used in this Kanthas is the cross-stitch.

Sujni Kantha : This type of baal is found only in Rajshahi area. The popular motif used is the
undulating floral and vine motif.
 IS KANTHA EMBROIDERY SUSTAINABLE?

The Kantha patchwork embroidery is a sustainable technique because it doesn't require much
power or raw materials to produce. It just requires minimal resources like water and electricity.
Besides this, the only thing needed to make this art form happen are some tools and materials
like cotton threads, needles, scissors, thread spools and old clothes. The process can be done
by anyone with basic sewing skills who has access to these items.
The techniques used in this process are designed to involve waste fabric recycling as an input,
which means that the process can be repeated again and again. This way old fabric
are upcycled into repurposed clothing or something new.

KANTHA TODAY:

Kantha was invented out of basic necessity and was made of various sizes and layers as per the
need, starting with small pieces of cloth for newborn babies, to the light covers for adults to use
at night, and to wrap over the shoulders in winter mornings. Today, Kantha stitch design fabric is
used to ornament different products like saree, stole, dresses, jackets and so on.

Though the craft is now limited to rural areas in Bengal, efforts are being made to revive it on a
larger scale by modernising its aesthetic that would have a global appeal. Our collection of
Kantha fabric designs includes fabrics adorned with geometric motifs in unconventional patterns
using running and cross-stitch. These embroideries are done by artisans from an all-female
artisanal cluster in Bengal.

Kantha In Apparels

A number of famous designers have also started using these traditional designs on their clothing
lines which have helped bring back attention to this folk art form that is slowly losing its popularity
due to lack.
Kantha In homeware:

Originally the Kantha was a practical means of re-cycling fabric to form soft cotton quilts,
coverlets, pillowcases or wrappers, and seven types of Kantha have been listed, each with its
own motifs. Today, the craft continues to be a popular choice for homeware but it has evolved its
aesthetics to create a global appeal.
Kantha Quilt:

Traditionally Kanthas were a combination of embroidery and quilting. These quilts are made from
old saris that have been worn for many years and have become soiled, frayed and damaged. 5-7
layers of these sarees are fixed in place together with a basting stitch first and then embroidered
with "Kantha" stitch in different patterns.

This makes Kantha unique in comparison to other types of Quilt in the sense that the thickness
comes from the layers of fabric and does not require any batting.

PROCESS: