I fell in love with this beautiful and intricate textile art from India.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how Kantha Quilts are typically made and why they are so special:
- Fabric Selection: Just like traditional Kantha quilts, the process starts with selecting fabric – our quilts are made from pure Indian cotton, perfect for the block printing process!
- Block Printing: Block printing is a method of printing patterns onto fabric using a carved block. First, the design is sketched onto the fabric or onto paper, which is then transferred onto the block. The block is carved with the negative of the desired design. Different blocks are used for each color in the pattern.
- Dye Preparation: Once the blocks are ready, the dyes are prepared. Traditionally, natural dyes were used, although today, synthetic dyes are also common. The dyes are applied to the blocks, which are then pressed onto the fabric in a precise pattern. This process is repeated across the fabric until the entire design is printed.
- Drying: After printing, the fabric is left to dry thoroughly to set the colors and prevent bleeding – during rainy seasons in India it can take up to two weeks to dry properly!
- Layering: Similar to traditional Kantha quilts, multiple layers of fabric are stacked to create the desired thickness – Annahs Kantha quilts are made of two separate layers of pure cotton stitched togethe.
- Kantha Stitching: The layers of fabric are then stitched together using the Kantha stitching technique. This involves simple running stitches that run across the entire quilt.
- Finishing Touches: Finally, the edges of the quilt are finished with a decorative border, and any loose threads are trimmed.
The process of making a Kantha quilt is time-consuming and requires skill and patience, but the end result is a unique and intricately crafted textile that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the region. Each Kantha quilt is a labor of love, often passed down through generations as cherished family heirlooms.
The combination of cotton fabric and Kantha stitching in Kantha quilts creates a textile that is both lightweight and breathable yet provides insulation and comfort in a variety of weather conditions. This makes them an excellent choice for use year-round, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter.
If you look after your beautiful Kantha Quilt it will last a lifetime!
Lots of Love
Annarie