A kantha is layered cloth held together with running stitch. Look closely and you will see that the same stitch does two jobs at once: it binds the layers, and it draws the picture.

Start in the centre

Many traditional kanthas begin with a central lotus or sun. From there, the embroiderer works outwards, filling the space with smaller motifs and borders.

Common motifs

  • The lotus, often placed at the centre, a symbol of purity and life.
  • Fish, a sign of plenty in a land of rivers.
  • Vines and trees, tying the design together.
  • Everyday objects such as fans, combs and boats, drawn from home life.

Why every piece is different

Embroiderers rarely work from a fixed pattern. The spacing of stitches, the choice of motifs and the colours of thread are personal, which is why no two kanthas are alike. Small irregularities are part of the work, not flaws.