Kantha Quilt is a bed or blanket in which three or more than three layers of fabrics are tied together traditionally by the stitches of Kantha Work. Kantha Quilting is very old and famous method to make quilts by using techniques of combining two or more fabric together, one over the other, by using Kantha Work Stitches. The best example of Kantha Quilting of high quality is the striking embroidered Kantha Quilts made in Bengal. These blankets and Quilts are accepted and trendy in all over the India and in overseas. These are odd example of handiwork skill. Indian Kantha quilts are very famous in India as well as in overseas market.
Types of Kantha Quilts
There are various types of quilts made in India but some of the most popular ones are mentioned below. Have a look..
- Lep Kantha Quilts: These quilts are generally larger in size and particularly used for the winter seasons. In some cases, winter is very harsh; in that condition Lep Kantha Quilt which is made up of seven layers can be used. In these quilts, lotus is made as the central motif along with other different designs and stitch in a small sewn to provide curvy surface, this is why it is also called as Lahari. Lahari means curve or waves.
- Shawl Kantha Quilt: Shawl Kantha Quilt has 6 feet length and 24 inches width and it is made up of only two layers of cloth. It is used to wrap the corpse. In these quilts, plants and flowers are the Motif Design dotted in the middle and borders are made up of decorative embroidery.
- Sujni Kantha Quilts: Sujni Kantha Quilt is generally made in 6 feet length and four and a half feet in width. These Quilts are used as widen over bed for visitors to be seated or lie on. It has a design of lotus motif in the middle and borders designed with various types of plants and flowers. There are some places like Nagaon, Kushtia and Jessore where these are called as Kantha Paarer. The Sujni Katha which is made in Nababganj uses new red clothes at the top level and the older ones forming the additional layers. These Kantha Quilts has the special features that the designs are printed on this by means of wooden blocks.
- Asan Kantha Quilting: These quilts are generally used forreligious functions, and also used for a recently married couple and for guests. These are also used in palanquins to spread it inside. It is also called as Bed Kantha or khat in Bangladesh. Khat means Bed.
Asan Kantha Quilts has the motif patterns which is speak about to religious faith.
Kantha Quilts of Bengal
The outstanding embroidered Indian Kantha quilts and coverlet is taken by the Europe and has gained fame there. Portuguese in Europe is the big customer of India and take a large amount of Kantha blankets and Kantha quilts and other Kantha works especially made in Bengal. Kantha Quilts made in Bengal is the fine example of Portuguese art and Indian art.