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Patches & Patchwork

Kantha quilts (a type of traditional embroidered patchwork quilt from India) have become popular within interior design communities, home decor retail & home decorators for their effortless ‘bohemian’ look. They are excellent for rustic queen bedding, floral quilt cover, hippie Indian tapestry, beach throw blanket, cotton sofa throw and even kantha cushion covers.

Originating from India and naturally made from upcycled saree cloth, hand-stitched together in sections and mended with patches over time, they are also considered one of the most sustainable quilts.

Kanthas don’t have any wadding, they are made from layers of sarees to create the thickness and texture. They can be quite insulative because of this construction.

These brightly coloured, incredibly versatile cotton quilted throws originate from generations of Indian mothers and daughters passing them down within the family. These true bohemians, are the originators of this method of re-use and repurposing.

PATCHWORK

The dreamy patchwork of kantha quilts may seem like a bohemian aesthetic, but actually the kantha technique has been used in India as a method for re-use and recycling old fabrics and clothes. Indians never waste anything – everything can be re-made into another item by repurposing and reviving materials. In the case of the kantha, layers upon layers of cotton are stitched together, creating a wonderful array of colour and texture. The patchwork of these fabrics make unique quilts – no two are ever the same. With a simple running stitch over the entire surface of the quilt or throw, the fabrics are quilted together in a simple but ingenious method, requiring only hand-work. The patchwork usually consists of cotton sarees, sometimes silk sarees, or a combination of both, as well as other fabric scraps. Large or small pieces are stitched together with incredible contrasts of colour and pattern.

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PATCHES

Once the pieces of fabric have been laid down, the next step is to cover up any fabric imperfections – due to their recycled nature, any marks and holes are patched up with small pieces of fabrics mostly to revive, but also add character and charm to the finished quilt. Because of the vast array of textile materials produced in India, including various dye methods, block print fabrics and traditional sarees, there is a great amount of scrap fabrics.

Look out for our exciting new collection of handmade individual patches – that are handmade in Australia, ready for stitching onto jeans, jackets & bags – reviving all your favourite clothes!

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MAGIK
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To view our range of beautiful vintage Indian kantha quilts and throws and other kantha items, handmade in India and Australia, visit The Kantha Project shop

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Top picnic kanthas

hari

A blissful combination of tartan (plaid) fabrics perfectly complementary, with an abundance of well-placed patches. Extremely tight stitching lends this kantha a uniquely suitable quality for use as a picnic rug.

farrita

The wonderful personality of Farrita really shines – and at it’s best outdoors. The Gemini-style split-personality gives you more to work with, whatever the mood! Such a bright and happy quilt:)

BHARGAVI

This one is very happy outdoors – with it’s not-so-perfect shape, it’s ideal for a grassy knoll, field, garden or park:) Think: complementary colours to the green of the grass, so it really stands out;)

AANANDI

Nicely thick and rustic to the touch, this throw can definitely handle the conditions of a picnic. It’s a little subtle, so as not to distract too much, happily being part of the background and setting the mood for a more sophisticated style…

NINA

Nina’s heavy weight, thickness and bright colours lends itself to the picnic atmosphere 100%. Ready to be thrown down on the grass for instant fun, vibrance and definitely the centre of conversation!

holly

Holly would love to be part of your festive Christmas celebrations. Whether she’s used on the table or floor for a Christmas picnic for those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, those colours and prints just yell FESTIVE!! Being a little on the smaller side, you might want to combine her with some of her friends – the more the merrier, right?!

meadow

Meadow would also suit the festive season – just look at that print in olive greens, reds and white of this floral quilt cover. However, she’s the nonchalant, chilled type, so whatever goes, really! She’s nice and thick and would love to be close to nature, as her colours do inform… Hence our suggestion for picnicking:)

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CINNAMON [SOLD]

The unique combination of colour – peach, chartreuse, ochre, pastel pink – takes this kantha stitch saree floral quilt cover to another level.

Soft cotton throws from India are a great way to spice up a room – and interestingly, spice is sometimes used for the colour of the quilts! See more of the uses of turmeric as a natural fabric dye here.

Shop our hand-picked range of vintage Indian kantha quilts and throws here.

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CLOVER [SOLD]

CLOVER is always ready for a picnic amongst the clover fields… With such beautiful floral elements and gold saree detail, this one wins your heart. The perfectly complex flavours of patchwork contrast each other well – almost clashing, yet beautifully combined.

This floral quilt cover has a nice weight to it, with the patchwork, construction and design making it a truly unique cotton quilt bedding for the bohemian home.

For more decorative throw blankets, embroidered throw blankets & saree embroidered textiles, check out our store The Kantha Project.

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CHAKRA [SOLD]

A truly striking vibrance comprised of rich red, orange and greens and a softer palette on the reverse of this floral quilt cover, CHAKRA is a lovely throw for the bed, sofa or grass! Also great used as a tablecloth or curtain, with its light-weight construction, its multi-purpose nature will have you using it in many ways.

As a lighter Indian Kantha quilt for those balmy Summer nights to stop the mosquitos from biting, a more eco-friendly option to other lightweight throw blankets and light weight cotton blankets and great for these warmer seasons.

It’s 70s vibe, surreal colours and large floral print remind one of the bright orange hues of Autumn. Unreal!

GRAB IT ON SALE now

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Top bed kantha quilts

Kanthas are ideal for bedding – as a quilt, coverlet, bedspread, bed throw, blanket… The multiple layers of cotton make for excellent Indian cotton bedding, naturally insulative without the need for any synthetic wadding.

Being vintage, handmade and often made using natural Indian dyes (such as turmeric), they are one of the most eco-friendly, cruelty-free & sustainable quilts available. [More on this here]

We have selected our top picks for bedding below for every mood and every style – considering size, quilt-like qualities & thickness.

In our collection, you’ll find floral quilt cover, cotton quilt bedding, vintage quilt cover and all fair trade kantha quilts.

PIPER (TWIN/DOUBLE)

FLOWER (QUEEN)

OMAR (QUEEN)

KULSHI (queen)


RADHA (QUEEN)

SURI (QUEEN)

hindi (twin/double)

BHAMINI (TWIN/double)

NAAHIL (QUEEN)

DEVANI (QUEEN)

LULU (twin/double)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lots more available in our shop for both twin and queen bed sizes. To find these easily, search by “twin” or “queen” here.

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MEADOW

This beautiful kantha floral quilt cover is ideal for rustic queen bedding. The gentle olive hues and vintage print, along with diamond Indian embroidery design makes a wonderful piece – in its tactile glory and handmade vintage aesthetic. Meadow is a heavier-weight kantha, which will serve many years as a warm bed throw or otherwise can used in outdoor settings.

Shop the quilt here