Kantha stitch: Collaging with Fabrics and Mending

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use the traditional Bangladeshi Kantha stitch to stitch down small scraps of fabric and other textile scraps to a base layer of fabric for use as a new technique to use up small scraps that otherwise would be useless in most standard sewing projects. Welcoming participants of beginner skill level to advanced experience with needle and thread, participants will learn the basics of the Kantha stitch for patchwork and mending. A brief historical background will be taught, ideal thread and needle choices for use with this stitch and of course how to perform the stitch. Participants will also learn to create a fabric collage of scraps that is rich with texture, through the free exploration of colour, line, direction and material. Sustainability as an important lens of concern regarding textiles and mending will be introduced and connected to the technique being taught.…