Kantha Patchwork Cushion Cover - Upcycled Saree

Kantha Patchwork Cushion Cover - Upcycled Saree

By Ethiqana

£35.00

Hand-stitched using traditional kantha running stitch
Made from upcycled saree fabric, patchwork construction
Size: 45cm x 45cm (18in x 18in)
One-of-a-kind – colours and pattern vary slightly between covers
Made by artisan partners in Bangladesh, WFTO-certified fair trade organisation
Cushion pad not included

£35.00

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A Patchwork of Reclaimed Sarees

This kantha patchwork cushion cover brings together rich terracotta, mustard, deep green, navy florals, and warm ochre brocade, all cut from upcycled saree fabric and pieced together by hand. Because each panel comes from a different reclaimed saree, no two covers are exactly alike.

Traditional Kantha Stitching

Visible lines of cream running stitch trace across the panels in the kantha tradition, a technique long used across Bangladesh and West Bengal to bind layers of recycled cloth into something stronger and longer-lasting than the original fabric.

Made by Artisan Partners in Bangladesh

Made by artisan partners in Bangladesh, part of Ethiqana's network of 100+ skilled artisans across India and Bangladesh.

What is kantha embroidery?

Kantha is a traditional running stitch technique from Bangladesh and West Bengal, originally used to bind layers of old or recycled fabric into quilts and covers.

Are these cushion covers really made from old sarees?

Yes. Each panel is cut from upcycled saree fabric, so colours and patterns vary slightly between covers.

Is this fair trade certified?

This product is made by an artisan organisation in Bangladesh that holds WFTO certification, the World Fair Trade Organization's verification of fair trade practice across the whole enterprise.

Is a cushion pad included?

No, this listing is for the cover only.

How should I clean it?

Cold gentle hand wash is recommended to protect the kantha stitching and patchwork seams. Avoid wringing or tumble drying, reshape and lay flat to dry.

Ethiqana is starting an artisanal revival in the world of children’s toys and other homewares and accessories.

This social enterprise works with small artisan producers, known as Ethiqana’s Artisan Heroes, carefully selected based on the eco-friendliness of their methods and the need for creative and economic empowerment.

These include the famous toymakers of Channapatna, India, who create colourful, tactile and durable wooden toys following fair trade values. These toys are 100% natural, handmade from sustainably grown wood and coloured with natural non-toxic dyes from plant-based sources.

A huge part of Ethiqana’s mission is to preserve traditional, nearly-extinct art and craft techniques. Many of the toys are made using methods passed down through generations of artisans over the course of 200 years.

By preserving these traditional techniques, Ethiqana challenges modern manufacturing methods and provides sustainable livelihoods to the artisans.

They also strive to give their Artisan Heroes opportunities to travel and connect with a worldwide audience. This helps makers evolve their art and practices, which is key to preserving them for the future.

→Read more about Ethiqana