The art of Kantha is a prime example of a culture’s ability to repurpose their own creations into something new.
![Kantha Artisan](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/page-title-copy-1440x1002.jpg)
Kantha, translating to “patched cloth,” is a Bengali export of the subcontinent.
Traditionally comprised of old, discarded garments, the technique owes its existence to the cultural and historic significance of the sari, a pillar of the region’s fashion and culture from 3,000 B.C. to the modern day.
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/18th-Century-Sari_The-MET-Collection-copy-1440x781.jpg)
To make Kantha blankets and throws, multiple saris or sections of saris are layered on top of each other, then joined together by sewing a running stitch throughout the entire collage.
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Antique_and_Vintage_Textiles_55728_017-copy-712x1024.jpg)
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Antique_and_Vintage_Textiles_55728_023-copy-712x1024.jpg)
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Antique_and_Vintage_Textiles_55728_022-copy-1024x1024.png)
An age-old practice, Kantha fabrics were traditionally believed to symbolize prayers, keeping the wearer safe and attracting happiness and prosperity.
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Antique_and_Vintage_Textiles_NoTagGreen_010-copy-1024x1024.jpg)
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Antique_and_Vintage_Textiles_NoTagGreen_003-copy-712x1024.jpg)
Contemporarily, traditional Kantha products are still created today, with some designers finding inspiration from the technique while adding their own interpretation.
Mieko Mintz , a designer who has united her Japanese cultural heritage with her loving appreciation of Kantha to craft blankets and kimonos from layered vintage saris for modern day use.
![Mieko Mintz Crafting Kantha Blanket with Artisans](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/mieko_0016__MG_8012.jpg)
![](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/vsp1.png)
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Working with skilled Bengali craftswomen, Mintz pairs complementary saris from her extensive found collection, cutting and forming her vibrant throws and jackets.
![Kantha Artisans](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A_MG_8627_copy-copy-1440x1002.jpg)
![Kantha Blanket Construction](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A_DSC3462-copy-1024x1024.jpg)
![Kantha Artisans](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A_DSC3445-copy-1024x1024.jpg)
![Kantha Style Kimonos](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/mieko_0012_PostCardImage090524-vibrant.jpg)
Sustainably repurposing old or discarded fabrics, Kantha is a long-practiced technique capable of producing a multitude of striking, singular pieces.
![Kantha Artisan](https://santafedrygoods.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/A_MG_8273_1-copy-1440x1002.jpg)