Nakshi kantha is built to last — layers of soft, well-worn cloth held together by thousands of tiny running stitches. With a little care, a kantha outlives its maker.
Washing
Kantha running stitches up close
Wash gently in cold water, by hand where possible, with a mild detergent. Never wring — press the water out between two towels and lay flat.
Drying & storing
- Dry in shade. Direct sun fades natural dyes like madder and indigo.
- Store folded in a breathable muslin wrap — never plastic.
- Refold along different lines every few months so creases don't set.
“A kantha is never finished — it is simply resting between generations.”
Small repairs
Loose stitch? Don't cut it. Tie it off with a simple knot on the reverse, or add a new line of running stitch in a matching thread — visible mending is part of the tradition. Treated well, a kantha quilt becomes a true heirloom.