Traditional Kantha – Tricia Warman

This Kantha workshop follows traditional stitching methods of Kantha work, but it has since evolved through my passion for stitch and fabric. Using scraps of very fine fabric – layering and overlapping onto a flannel backing and then sew in running stitch in various directions and colour. When completely covered we will cut with a rotary cutter to even up the edges and line with linen. Some images may be outlined and embroidery and embellishments may be added. 
Kantha is the name given to hand quilted and embroidered cloth, originally made from recycled fabric (often sari fabric) in India, Bihar, West Bengal and Bangladesh. Running stitch creates the decorative elements in Kanthas, as well as holding the quilt ‘sandwich’ together permanently. The stitching is often in dense linear patterns, sometimes white stitching on white fabric, often using motifs to bring good luck.

Student Requirements
To Make a small needle case
•Basic Sewing Kit including with Sharp scissors
•Piece of flannel/thin wadding 13 x 22cm or slightly thicker
•Selection of tiny , very fine lawn – the more fabric is washed, faded/worn, the easier it will be to stitch. I will bring some fabric bits but your own fabric is better as it is more personal to you and more individual
•Any small fabric images you may want to incorporate
•A variety of toning threads – 6 stranded/quilting cotton
•Embellishment – buttons, beads, ribbon, threads to catch
•Small amount of bondaweb
•Fabric Pen
•Firm linen for backing – an old tea towel is excellent 
•Felt of flannel for ‘needle pages’