Local crafts organisation Ariadne’s Thread Group hosts ‘The Kanthas of Friendship’, an innovative participatory textile project.
Kantha stitching is a centuries-old tradition from Bangladesh and India that was originally used to recycle fabric into something meaningful. Mothers would stitch blankets for their children to provide them with warmth and care.
Magdalena Glowacka, the curator and founder of Ariadne’s Thread Group, said: “This project is set up to connect different communities in one cross-cultural project where participants can produce textiles that will be part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations. It’s something that connects lot of people in a big project.”
The project is currently running up until May 2025 and teaches participants simple running stitches used in Kantha embroidery.
Once complete, the embroidered pieces are expected to be included in an exhibition as part of the Kingston 2025 celebrations.
For those interested in joining, Kantha sessions are held at Stanley Picker Gallery and Kingston Museum.
