Kantha Stitches / Kantha Stitching / Kantha Embroidery Stitches

The different methods of Kanthas stitches / Kantha Stitching  are discussed below :

Holbein stitching

Holbein Stitching are mainly used in Kantha quilts outside Bengal. These embroideries are  generally of geometric patterns and sometimes accompany cross stitch pattern.

Running Kantha Stitches

The needle follows the same straight line, both above and below. The embroidered stitches are either small, following each other in close succession, transversal, round or triangular design function.

The Double Running Stitch fills the space between two continuous points to give the Kantha a compact, visually appealing look.

Chain stitch

The old form of stitching found in China’s silk garments. The stitch is used to Kantha flower and leaf motifs.

Bakheya Stitch

The purpose of Bakheya or Back Stitch is to strengthen the stitches.

Darning Stitch

The darning stitches fill the gaps between the current ones. After a ground contours are drawn, darning stitch helps cover the enclosed space.

Cross Stitch

This Cross Stitch is found on the dresses from Syria and Palestine to the Balkans. The embroidered Kantha stitching is performed in two diagonally opposite ends, the lines intersecting at the center. It is often called Carpet design. This design is not commonly found in Kantha designs.

Satin Kantha Stitches

Widely used in China and also in India, North Africa, Middle East, Latin America and Europe, this fills the enclosed space or design.

Benki Kantha Stitch

Bending stitch or Benki Stitch is a variation of the running stitch with big stitches extending parallel to small ones. The hand embroidered stitch is used for the design of the leaves, round motifs etc. This point is also known as chatai.