Kantha Kantha embroidery of Bengal is done on a base prepared by - layers of old cotton sarees or dhotis . The embroidery is like quilting – small running stitches going through all the layers of the base material. The article thus produced are also known as Kantha . This embroidery may have had its origin in darning to strengthen the worn-out areas, but now the stitches fill up the shapes that are drawn on it.
It generally has a white base with embroidery in multi-coloured threads, which were originally pulled out from borders of old sarees . The articles made vary from small comb case and wallet to shawls of various sizes. There are also kanthas with ritualistic importance made for presentation to religious places or for use on special occasions.