kantha embroidery scarf- culturally rich handmade scarf

Handmade scarves are famous among people especially when designed with ethnic flavor. The authenticity and elegancy present in scarves are cherished by wearers. Every region of the world has culturally rich heritage which is also reflected in their way of leaving and dressing sense in which scarves are also included. Kantha embroidery is one such culturally rich element on scarves.

Kantha is a popular embroidering technique of West Bengal, India and Bangladesh. Earlier the kantha embroidery was done on saris and dhotis only but now this embroidering technique is used to design quilts, scarves, handkerchiefs, light blankets, shawls, throws, bedspread and other decorative items of household. This design is consist of simplest running stitch in border, in the middle of garment or all over. However the simple running stitch is arranged in different patterns, giving rise to a completely different and alluring complex designs Kantha was originated when Bengali housewives started mending old clothes. They took out the colorful strand of thread from the border of saris and make simple but decorative designs on clothes. This embroidery is very dense and elaborative that is why a single scarf could take atleast 3 months to make. Earlier for these women such exquisite designed patterns were means of self expression.

The sparkling and pleasing mixture of colorful thread on cotton scarves or silk scarves to make a single pattern in different shapes and figures is enough to take your heart away. If you are thinking about fashion then you don’t need to get conscious because fashion is something which is present in every generation of every culture and each and every culture is very specific about their heritage which they would like to pass on generation to generation. Culturally rich handmade scarves of kantha embroidery are one of them that will never goes out of fashion, atleast not for good.

Scarves are in use in several cultures for myriad purposes since centuries for style, comfort and fashion. Kantha scarves fulfill the same requirement. In amid of technological advancement and uninterrupted media attention to the happenings kantha scarves have succeeded in making its position among people belonging to different corners of the world. Hand woven scarves made from kantha embroidery can be utilized as headscarves, neck scarves, shawls, waist scarves, belt and bandana and can be team up with any outfit like jeans, suits, shirts, t-shirts, slacks and even with coats.

The running and darning motifs of kantha are generally in figures of animals, floral, human and trees of life. Some other figures like fishes, birds, mythological stories, Kalka and Mandala are incorporated too. For instance Black Base kantha Scarf and Peacock Motif Scarf have floral and peacock designs respectively. In India kantha means throat, so the name of this embroidery is derived from the necklace close to throat that opens at back.

Kantha scarves have a long history and are associated with a particular region in manufacturing but its usage is not limited to an area. Now these scarves are widely popular in world stage and often seen sorted by international celebrities. As a means of utilitarian object kantha embroidered scarves are the part of mens scarves and womens scarves.