Vintage Kantha quilt No.17 Flame Flower

Product: Cotton throw made from repurposed cotton saris, quilted and hand stitched using the kantha technique. Each piece is unique. This product is derived from a generations old technique, used to salvage and repair much loved textiles. Flame Flower is a deep rusty red with bold saffron yellow floral motifs. 

210 x 145 cm

Fabulously versatile decorative texture;  perfect as a bedspread on a single bed, or a touch of colour on the end of a double bed. We also use kanthas as light weight throws on a sofa, a decorative tablecloth, a bohemian curtain, sometimes even as a bedhead or wall art.

The craft: Kantha is an ancient form of embroidery from the Indian subcontinent, with a rich history and cultural significance. The technique is believed to have originated in the eastern Indian states of West Bengal and Orissa, and in Bangladesh. The word "kantha" comes from the Sanskrit word "kontha," which means "rags" or "pieces of cloth."

Traditionally, kantha was used to repair and recycle much-loved textiles, such as old saris and dhotis, by using a simple running stitch. The process involved layering the old fabrics and then using the running stitch to hold the layers together. The process of layering the fabrics was an effective way to add insulation and provide warmth, especially for those living in rural areas where winters were harsh.

The use of kantha embroidery was a way for rural women to make use of their existing resources and create something new and beautiful from old textiles. These women would pass on the skill to their daughters, who would then go on to make their own kanthas. This was a way of preserving the cultural heritage while passing down the knowledge and skills from one generation to the next.

Kanthas are now widely considered as art rather than just a functional item, and are highly sought after by collectors and textile enthusiasts. They are often made into various products like cushions, quilts, table runners, wall hangings and so on. The textile itself is a visual representation of the creators' environment, culture and the subject that was closest to their hearts.

The technique of kantha embroidery is relatively simple, yet it creates intricate and beautiful designs, created using the running stitch, which is a straight stitch that is applied in a continuous line, creating a pattern. The use of different coloured thread, and the layering of different fabrics, adds depth and interest to the quilt..

One of the most remarkable aspects of kantha is that each piece is entirely unique. Because they are made from repurposed fabrics, the patterns and colours of the fabrics can not repeated, making each piece truly one of a kind.

In detail :

210 x 145 cm

Recycled cotton, stitched in cotton thread

Machine washable at 30°, no machine drying

Hand made

Please be aware that the cloth used if for this product is vintage, and often has imperfections. This craft is used in order to repurpose textiles. 

The women who make these products layer 3 pieces of cloth to reinforce the material, sometimes where one layer is faded or thinned, you will see the layer below, or they will patch and mend the cloth.

At Storie, we love this creative resourcefulness. If you like the idea, but you aren't sure it's your thing, do drop us a line, we can show you the product in closer detail in photos or a video call.