Kantha stitch sarees – an introduction

The kantha work on the saree is nothing but an embroidery work on discarded or used material. After the handicraft upon the cloth is complete, the kantha saree is ironed properly to make it appear saleable. This unique piece of art form is practiced mainly in Murshidabad, Bolpur and Bihar. The stitch is nothing but simple and minute run stitches in the form of various motifs like birds, animals, some mythological characters, etc.

In fact, kantha played a vital role in the empowerment of women. The women in the rural villages took up the kantha work as a means of their income. Its origination comes from how women in Bengal previously used to stitch their old clothes. This craft is still in practice in the nooks and corners of Bengal.