Kantha embroidery is a traditional hand-stitched technique particularly
popular in West Bengal, Odisha, and Bangladesh. It involves creating intricate
patterns with running stitches on fabric
Types of kantha stitches
- Simple
Kantha: This is the most basic form, involving straightforward running
stitches. It often features repetitive patterns and motifs, typically used
to adorn quilts and other household textiles.
- Baye
Kantha: This type focuses on geometric patterns and motifs, including
diamonds, squares, and lines. The designs are usually simple but can be
quite striking.
- Murgi
Kantha: This style is characterized by the depiction of birds,
especially chickens (murgi), as its central theme. The motifs are often
vibrant and represent everyday rural life.
- Sari
Kantha: As the name suggests, this style is used to embellish saris.
It often includes elaborate designs and motifs, making the garment more
ornate.
- Potheli
Kantha: This type is used to create decorative patches or panels.
These are often stitched onto other fabrics to create elaborate designs or
to repair and reuse old garments.
- Oparna
Kantha: Known for its use in creating elaborate and intricate
patterns, this type of Kantha often incorporates elaborate motifs and
designs, including floral and nature themes.
- Nakshi
Kantha: This is the most elaborate and artistic form of Kantha
embroidery. It features intricate, detailed patterns and motifs, including
scenes from folklore, nature, and daily life. Nakshi Kantha is often used
in ceremonial garments and textiles.
- Lakhori
Kantha: This style includes motifs and patterns that are inspired by
traditional designs from the Lakhori region. It often features detailed
and colorful embroidery.
Each type of Kantha embroidery reflects the rich cultural
heritage of the region it comes from and showcases a unique aesthetic and
technique.