Embroidery
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.
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 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.
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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:
Team Anuprerna
At Anuprerna, We Request Everyone To Contribute And Share. This Way We Can Create Global Recognition For These Beautiful Handwoven Crafts & Textiles To Bestow Value Onto The Ordinary Lives Of Our Artisans With Extraordinary Skills. And We Believe That's The Only Way We Can Build A Sustainable And Ethical World For Ourselves.
