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.
Just like each kantha blanket is unique, so is the woman who made it. Here are the stories of the brave and talented women who work at Basha to produce our beautiful kantha throws and throw blankets. Find the name of your blanket's artisan stitched onto the label, and you can read her story (and even send her a message) at https://bashaboutique.com/artisan-stories/
Material
Soft vintage cotton from repurposed saris
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.
The backstory
Basha’s vision is to continue to grow as long as there are women in Bangladesh in need of dignified work. Basha dreams of a day when women are not at risk of exploitation and don’t live in fear.
Through dignified work, Basha provides a sustainable livelihood for women at risk and survivors of trafficking. Women gain job skills and the opportunity to develop into leaders and entrepreneurs in a healthy, healing environment. Each woman’s story varies, but for each her circumstances have put her at high risk of harm or resulted in her exploitation. We work with employees’ children too, ensuring the cycle of poverty and victimization is broken.
This social enterprise breaks the cycle of poverty for women in Bangladesh. In addition to secure and dignified employment, the women receive additional benefits including subsidised medical care, life skills classes and a free on-site nursery school for their children while they are at work. Buying a kantha quilt gives these brave women the chance to leave behind past traumas and social stigma and develop into leaders and entrepreneurs
Every single purchase from this collection changes lives & builds futures.