Mini kantha quilt in shades of blue, pink & beige, handwoven in Bangladesh

Repurposed saris, layered and joined with straight rows of even stitching, tell a story of Bangladesh and of lives made new. Bright colours, bold prints, and unique pairings reflect local vibrancy and spirit and ensure no one else has a blanket exactly like yours.

Our mini vintage cotton kantha throw is the perfect size for babies or children, to use as picnic blankets or for keeping warm and snuggling on the sofa.

This beautiful blanket combines straight even rows of hand stitching known as kantha. Stitching is sharp and bold and each piece carefully edged by hand with a blanket stitch.

The word 'kantha' means 'patched cloth' and Bangladeshi and Northwest Indian women have made quilts like this for centuries. Kantha throw quilts are six superimposed layers of vintage saris, carefully hand-sewn with neat rows of contrasting thread to form a beautiful finished quilt or throw. Each item is made from 100% reclaimed vintage cotton sari cloth. This blanket was stitched in approximately 11-12 hours (1.5 days) by hand (depending on experience).

These unique throws were handcrafted by women who were previously trafficked into or otherwise engaged in formal or floating sex work (or at risk), now employed in work that brings dignity & livelihood. Our kantha blankets are all made in a generous, safe space by vulnerable and at-risk women who can now work with dignity because of purchases like yours. We stand by our products and are confident that you won't find a kantha that is as unique, versatile, rich in story, or as well-constructed as our beautiful hand-stitched kantha quilts.

Dimensions: Approximately 100 x 100 cm (approx. 39 x 39 in), approximately one quarter of the size of a full sari: 1 m x 1 m (3'4" x 3'4"); half the size of our standard vintage cotton kantha blankets from Bangladesh

Care: A gentle wash and line drying are recommended to maintain the vibrant colour and texture of your cotton kantha product.

Every single purchase from this collection changes lives & builds futures. Thank you for your support.

Source: Shakti.ism

Shakti.ism is a British brand that gives Indian Sarees a second life by reusing them into beautiful new items in social workshops in India and Bangladesh.

Fair trade: Shakti.ism is a social enterprise operating in India and Bangladesh. Employees are paid a fair wage as well as additional health and wellness benefits. Shakti.ism regularly visits the locations and consults with their employees.

Environmentally friendly: The items are made from old Indian Sarees that are given a second life by Shakti.ism. For example, many sarees are donated. Local donations are generally from poorer people who donate sarees in exchange for other necessities of life. Or they sell it to Shakti.ism at a low price so that they can use this money to buy basic necessities. Shakti.ism can then save the second-hand fabric from being thrown away and reuse it. Saris can also be donated in Europe so that they can be reused.

Good cause: Shakti.ism works with women who are at risk of being affected by gender-based violence. At Shaktiism these women are given the opportunity to earn their own money fairly in a pleasant environment.