Kantha Work-Geometric Motifs

Kantha Embroidery with  Geometric Motifs

Embroidery Sample: Kantha of Bengal

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Geometric motifs are common in Kantha Work, especially on borders. They can be challenging to work for some. These geometric patterns are usually parallel lines and concentric patterns. I have tried to show squares, circles, and diagonal parallel lines in this pattern. Drawing the pattern can help, but I would suggest having some fun and stitching directly over the fabric. In the pattern below I partitioned the space into 9 parts. The stitch lines inside are almost fading and I tried stitching directly. After all, they were just straight and diagonal lines! It was a little challenging to keep them real straight, but I felt the imperfection added to the charm of the pattern.

Fig 1: If you have any straight outlines to work on your pattern, stitch it first. This helps in demarcating the space for the geometric patterns.	Fig 2:  It was easier to place the circle in the center. I stitched the outer circle first to help me to add the smaller circles inside.
Fig 3: I filled the sides with squares and diagonal parallel lines.

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Stitch used in this project

Running Stitch

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The pattern used in this project. Click for the printable PDF file.

kantha_pattern_3

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Now let’s learn the other variations of Kantha Work:

About Kantha Work	Outlines	Big Fillings
Small fillings	Aligned Fillings	Pinwheel Fillings