A quilt is a multilayered textile with two or more layers of fabric, and usually a filler in the middle. The layers are stitched together to make a blanket or decorative textile piece.
Kantha quilts, specifically, have no inner batting or filler, only layers of cloth — dignify kantha are made from 6 layers of thin, muslin sari cloth.
Kantha quilts are also uniquely defined by the particular kantha stitch. This is a simple, running stitch used in embroidery in the Bengal region of South Asia. dignify’s kantha quilts feature a consistent, straight, kantha stitch spaced 1cm apart.
Made from factory-discarded or repurposed, vintage sari cloth, kantha quilts also embody the kantha tradition of transforming the old into the new & beautiful.
You can become a kantha expert with our kantha deep dive here >
dignify sells kantha quilts in 3 different sizes and 2 different cloth materials.
Our “classic throws” ($98) are our bestselling, multipurpose throw. They are long and lean (3.25 feet x 6.5 feet), with two different patterns, one on each side. Sometimes we have 2 of a kind, because there is enough sari cloth to make two from each pair of saris. These are named “Xyz Kantha Throw”.
Large throws (“Xyz No. 1 Kantha Large Throw”, $196) are twice the size of a classic throw, and are square in shape. They are made from 2 full saris, one for each side. These ones are great for a warmer cuddle on the couch, or could work as a bed blanket for a twin or double bed (6.5 feet x 6.5 feet).
Mini blankets ($62) are small squares — half the size of a classic throw, or a quarter the size of a large throw. There can be up to 4 per style, but with variations on each. Many kantha minis are purchased as baby blankets, but also for lap blankets or decor. These are named “Xyz No. 1 Kantha Mini Blanket”.
Silk blend throws ($138) are fancier, more elegant; these are made from special event saris (that you might picture someone wearing for a wedding). They often have gold or silver thread embellishment and tend to feel smoother. All silk blend throws are the same size as our classic throws: 3.25 feet x 6.5 feet. Spot cleaning or dry cleaning is recommended.
Special kantha are made in the Northern style of the kantha tradition. The thread is thicker, the stitching denser, and you will see patterns & stitching embellishments that our classic blankets do not have. Our special kantha quilts range in prices and are true showpieces of art & kantha handicraft.
Child labour, human trafficking, child marriage, homelessness, and sexual exploitation are key risks for many women in Bangladesh. The skilled craftswomen who hand-stitch our kantha quilts each have a story with these elements in her past, or was at risk in her future.
But, there is hope...
After working through a training program with one of several NGO partners, she was hired by dignify’s partner, Basha, where the work of healing, care, & healthy employment could continue.
On the corner of each blanket is a label where she has stitched her name. You can even read her story.
In Bangla, ‘basha’ means house. ‘Asha’ means hope. Through dignified work, Basha is building a house of hope for women in Bangladesh. Women gain job skills and the opportunity to develop into leaders in a healthy, healing environment.
And, it’s your blanket purchases that make it all possible!
