Kantha Carpet

Hand stitched kantha rug
The special thing about a kantha rug is that it is hand-stitched with uniform visible stitches, called kantha stitches. Kantha is a special way of embroidery and is a centuries-long tradition originally from Bangladesh and India. The Kantha tradition is also very meaningful because it is about giving new life to something old.

The story behind a kantha rug
A kantha rug is not only beautiful, it is also unique. Only one of each rug exists because it is made from vintage saris. A sari is a piece of cloth that has traditionally been worn by women in Bangladesh, among others. It can be an heirloom passed down from generation to generation and used on special occasions or a garment worn every day.

Each individual kantha rug thus has one history, as the beautiful old saris have been upcycled and given a new life. This means that the carpets are not "perfect" and may have minor stains and patches on them. Likewise, there will never be two products that are sewn 100 percent alike, because they are handmade. We hope that you will appreciate the small features of the rugs and their history and hope that you will be able to enjoy them for many years into the future.

What do you use the beautiful sari rugs for? 
Originally, the blankets were sewn to have some warm blankets for the winter. Today, a kantha carpet is used, such as a throw or a bedspread. The beautiful colors and patterns on the saris turn them into small unique works of art, which create a fantastic atmosphere and decoration in the home or summer house. At Manelleh, the rugs are available in many different sizes. You can therefore find a rug in the size that suits you best - whether you want to use it as, for example, a yoga rug, plaid or bedspread.

Your purchase makes a difference
When you buy a kantha rug, you help ensure proper, meaningful and dignified jobs for marginalized women in Bangladesh. The women work at a socially responsible company, Saidpur Enterprises, where they receive a fair salary, annual bonus (dividend) and professional training. Saidpur Enterprises is a member of the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO), which audits and guarantees that the organization is a socially responsible workplace.