Up-cycling may be a relatively new word in today’s fashion landscape with a rise in buying second-hand, supporting circular fashion by boycotting the likes of Shein and H&M; but in India it’s been around years. The word “kantha” means “patched cloth” in Sanskrit and it started out as what you could call the ultimate thrifting process.

So, if you’re thinking of purchasing a piece of kantha from our shop (or already own one) then read on to find out more about the process.

Kantha embroidery is one of the oldest forms of textile art in India and Bangladesh — a craft that dates back over 500 years. Rural women would take worn-out saris and layer them together, hand-stitching them with a simple running stitch to create something new — such as a quilt, shawl, or blanket, as a way of making the fabric go further.

Community spirit and tradition

The heart of kantha lies in the rural villages of West Bengal, where generations of women continue to hand stitch these textiles through local cooperatives. These cooperatives don’t just provide jobs for skilled artisans they also empower women through education and cultural preservation.

In districts like Murshidabad, Birbhum, and Bolpur, women gather daily to stitch Kantha quilts, saris, and scarves, often from the comfort of their own homes or small village workshops. Our kantha is sourced locally from a team of rural women who stitch in the comfort of their own homes and are paid fairly for each blanket they provide.

The nature of kantha work fosters community spirit: women share techniques with each other, stories, and laughter as they stitch, they pass down their skills from mother to daughter.

Making its way into western fashion

This sustainable process is still very much alive today. Artisans collect layers of vintage cotton saris, often faded from years of wear, and breathe new life into them through stitching. Each piece saves fabric from landfill and turns it into a vibrant new creation. If there are small holes in a blanket these are then patched together to save the fabric – and give it more individuality!

Since the mid 2000’s kantha has been a sought-after fabric for designers in the west who value tradition and sustainable process, and they’ve added it to their design collections. This amazing fabric comes in all manner of bright colours and patterns and is extremely soft making it a fabulous material to craft comfortable clothing from. No two Kantha blankets are ever the same — and that’s the beauty of it. Every patch, thread, and colour tells its own story of renewal and mindful living.

Creating a kantha blanket is a slow, soulful process. It begins with sourcing old saris or cotton cloths, which are then cleaned, softened, and layered — usually two to five pieces thick. Once prepared, the artisan begins the signature running stitch — small, even stitches that ripple across the fabric. Many artisans describe kantha stitching as a mindful practice — one that connects them to generations before – so when you are wearing a kantha piece you’re not just wearing a design — you’re carrying a story of resilience, artistry, and renewal.

Why it belongs in a conscious wardrobe

Kantha by nature is a hand processed skill – no machines are used to create the running stitch. It uses recycled fabrics where only a small bit of wear and tear can be seen so rather than destroy the whole saree is turned into something magical that can be worn for years to come. It’s created without industrial waste. Every dress, skirt or jacket we design uses the whole blanket in the design – sometimes a blanket and a half – so we know there’s little to no waste from each small batch we make.  

Owning kantha means embracing imperfection and individuality. The visible stitches and, sometimes, uneven lines are not flaws they just represent the artistry of the woman that made it.

Final thoughts

Kantha isn’t just a textile technique — it’s a philosophy that’s steeped in history. It teaches us that beauty can be reborn from what’s old, that creativity can transform the ordinary, and that true craftsmanship never fades with time.

Back to Boheme Edit