Kantha Embroidery

Kantha is a type of embroidery popular in Odisha and West Bengal. Kantha comprises of the simplest stitch of embroidery - the running stitch.

Originally it was used to join layers of old saris, to make quilts. 

Kantha embroidery is generally done on cotton and silk fabrics.Kantha running stitches are used for making floral motifs, images of birds, animals, and geometrical figures. It is also used for making blankets and quilts by stitching five or six layers of cloth.

Lot of Kantha stitch karigaars are based in Birbhum District. A saree with complete Kantha stitch from corner to corner takes around a year.

Various stories are also depicted in sarees like those of parrots, peacocks or lotus flower.

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