Nights of Needles - An Intro to Kantha

Service Description

Explore the history, motifs and rhythms of Kantha embroidery through hands-on projects. Each session costs $50. Booking all 4 costs $180. Click "book now" to see options! Sept 25 – Mandala Hoop Session kicks off by learning Kantha’s basic running stitches and filling technique through a mandala hoop. A perfect first take-home display piece to build confidence and explore patterns. Oct 30 – Symbolic Elephant Hoop Bring to life Kantha’s storytelling tradition with a decorative elephant motif—a symbol of wisdom and strength. Will learn filling plus outline stiches used in Kantha. Take home a vibrant stitched hoop that doubles as wall art. Nov 20 – Kantha inspired small Kimono drawstring bag Experiment with layered stitches on block printed cloth scraps to create a hand-stitched Kimono bag. An upcycled functional, piece you’ll actually use! Dec 18 – Tree of Liife Wall Hanging Finish the year with a flourish by stitching a Tree of life-inspired wall hanging, connecting simple Kantha motifs into a cozy keepsake representing a fresh start to new year. ✨ Each session stands alone (drop-ins welcome!) but the full series ties your pieces into a beautiful Kantha journey. Each session will have -Theme & Focus (history + cultural note) -Stitches to learn (with diagrams / actual samples) -Mini projects (stitch samplers / coasters and final stitch art ) -Reflection prompts -All materials included -No experience needed! This class is for teens & adults and is offered by Artisan Atlas Studios. What is Kantha? Kantha is a centuries-old embroidery tradition from eastern India and Bangladesh. Originally practiced by women who layered old saris and stitched them together with running stitches, it transformed worn cloth into something new and meaningful. Simple, rhythmic stitches create patterns, textures, and even whole stories.