Reversible Cotton Kantha Sari Napkins (Set of 4) - Set 1
Product Description
These reversible cotton kantha sari napkins are made from two layers of vintage cotton sari fabric stitched together and finished with kantha hand stitching—a centuries-old running-stitch technique that adds texture, character, and durability. Each napkin is imperfectly perfect in the way handmade textiles are: with small variations that make it uniquely yours.
What makes them special
One-of-a-kind : Each set is a curated mix of colors and patterns—no two napkins (or sets) are exactly the same. They might be cut from the same sari, but from different parts of the sari
Reversible: Two sides, two looks—each napkin flips to a different sari fabric
Kantha stitching: Hand-stitched running stitches add texture, design interest with a rippled effect and durability
Fair Trade + women artisans: Made by low-income women artisans in West Bengal, India, supported through a Fair Trade organization
Who made these
These napkins were made by Sagarika, Sumitra, and Majeda (photos included). Each uses kantha embroidery as an income-generating craft to help support her family—every piece carries the quiet evidence of skill, work, and livelihood.
Size • Materials • Care
Size: approx. 16" × 16" each (slight variation is normal with handmade textiles)
Materials: vintage cotton sari fabric, double-layer (two fabrics stitched together); kantha hand stitching
Construction: reversible (each side shows a different sari fabric)
Set includes: 4 napkins (sold as a set)
Care: machine wash cold on gentle/delicate; line dry or tumble low. Warm iron if desired.
Because these are made from vintage sari cloth and stitched by hand, expect natural variation in color placement, pattern, stitch rhythm, and occasional small irregularities. That imperfectly perfect character is part of the charm—and the proof of handmade.
The colors may vary depending on the kind of monitor you have, and the lighting. I have made every effort to make the color as close to the real thing as possible. In almost all cases they are. Blues, greens and reds may appear brighter on screen and in the image than they actually are. But they are pretty close.
Reversible Cotton Kantha Sari Napkins - (Assorted Set 4) - Set 1
These napkins are created by three women who have overcome signficant odds to own their own embroidery units.
The common thread in their origin sotires is that they have used kantha embroidery as an income-generating activity to help support their families. They scout for saris in nearby villages and organize local women in collectives to come together between household chores to create these kantha quilted napkins.
Each napkin reflects the empowerment journey of the women who created them.
All three women are supported by a Fair Trade Certirifed organization based in Kolkata.
The organization was created to address issues related to marginalization of craftspeople. Artisans - especially women - were exploited by middlemen, and the craft they parcticed was losing its identity. The mission of this Fair Trade organization is to strengthen, support and expand market opportunities for artisans.
They work with nearly 100 groups of disadvantaged women and marginalized artisans from North-East Indian and other states.
Kantha is a tradition of hand embroidering patchwork cloth from rags. Over time it evolved from a simple running stitch into a rich & varied embroidery language, depicting motifs influenced by religion, culture & the rural lives of the women stitching them. Deeply rooted in Bengal & with a history of over 3,000 years, kantha is rich in story & meaning.
Whether it be a plain stitch on patched rags, or highly illustrative embroidery on the finest silk, this humble art form is created today as it has been for centuries: in small, unassuming village homes by women who spend days, weeks & even months on one piece.
Each piece is unique - you will never see the same combination of fabrics and threads twice. Any variations or irregularities are to be celebrated. They are part of the design & inherent to the handcrafted production process, making this item beautifully unique.
Material: 100% Upcycled cotton with cotton embroidery
Care: Machine wash in cold water. I recommend a delicate cycle. Drip dry in shade
Origin: West Bengal, India
