Kantha Stitch Embroidery

Intricate embroidery, colourful stitching, detailed needlework and craftsmanship passed down through generations have always been fascinating to me. Although not a seamstress myself, my enthusiasm for design comes greatly from my grandmother who had a wonderful eye for the exquisite. Ardently supporting the makers of disappearing crafts is an obsession of mine — and the beauty of a handmade piece never ceases to amaze me. Kantha is a firm favourite.

What Is Kantha Stitch?

The word Kantha literally means ‘rags’ in Sanskrit — the perfect definition, as a finished kantha piece is composed of all sorts of scrap fabrics, including unused pieces of beautiful saris. What makes it so special is its simplicity: a running stitch, worked by hand, repeated with extraordinary patience and skill to create something truly unique. No two kantha pieces are ever identical.

Kantha at La Galeria Elefante

This pretty running stitch can be seen across so many of our pieces in the shop. Our Kantha Jackets are a great example — perfect for both men and women, choose between the funky box jacket, the stylishly oversized jacket, a hip-length version or the Kantha Riding Jacket for a more fitted look.

As well as the jackets, we carry a wide selection of kantha blankets and bedspreads in all colours, and kantha cushions in all shapes and sizes. A number of the dresses, tops and tunics in the Victoria Made With Love & Laughter label are hemmed with pretty lines of colourful running kantha stitch — it really adds to the piece, especially our velvets with contrasting threads.

Handmade With Care

Every kantha piece we stock is handmade by skilled women workers in Jaipur, India and outside Kathmandu, Nepal. Each stitch is placed by hand — a labour of love that you can feel when you hold the finished piece. We hope you love them as much as we do.