Kantha is a form of embroidery that originates in Southeast Asia. Like Japanese Boro, layers of reused fabric, often saris, are stacked together and stitched by hand to create a cushioned piece of fabric that is reminiscent of a quilt.
In the film below we show the basics of the Kantha technique and ideas for making items with your stitched cloth such as mats, cushion covers or scarves. Take a look around your home and in your wardrobe for pieces of material that can be reused for your Kantha embroidery.
- Base layer: plain cotton fabric - old bedsheets are ideal - cut to 125 x 20cm for a scarf or 45 x 30cm for a placemat or 35 x 35cm for a cushion cover or 11 x 11cm for a cup coaster
- Decorative layers: Selection of patterned/coloured fabrics - look out for bedsheets, pillowcases, shirts, blouses etc
- Sewing kit - needle, pins and brightly coloured sewing thread (don't worry if you don't have bright colours though)
- Fabric scissors
- Embroidery thread.
- Thimble*
- Glue stick*
- Ruler and chalk*
*Optional
Inspirational websites:
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