Inspiration Kantha: Creative Stitchery and Quilting with Asias Ancient Technique by Anna Hergert explores the ancient technique of kantha.

The earliest written record of kantha appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery from the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets. In white, red and blue stitches over the fabric helps to stabilize and decorate the fabric.

The author did extensive research to learn about kantha. The book begins with detailed information in the introductory chapters. The beginning chapters tells how the traditional quilting patterns and materials used depends on the different area. 

Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction, which are well photographed and described. Motifs are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.

At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.

I receive this ARC from Schiffer Publishing Ltd. via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Beautiful book! I have loved Kantha for years but knew little about it sceptical that it intrigued and attracted my attention. This book has answered questions, inspired and fascinated me and I plan to buy my own copy to keep forever.

If you love heritage embroidery, fabric, history then don't miss this wonderful insight to an amazing cultural art form.

Kantha embroidery is the native embroidery originated from my home country...... Being an embroidery aspirant , i loved reading the book......

I'm a fibreart fanatic. I have at least tried everything from hedebo to hardanger to stumpwork to quilting. I love knitting, sewing, crochet, tatting and more.

I had never even heard of kantha. The earliest written record of kantha (from a Sanskrit word which means 'rags') appears in the book Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita which was written over 500 years ago. It is a traditional quilting/embroidery form in the Indian peninsula and surrounding areas. It was a traditional thrifty method of binding together worn saris and dhoti into layers to use as coverlets and extend the usefulness of worn out fabrics. Running stitches, traditionally in white red and blue, were used to further stabilize and decorate the fabrics.

This book is exhaustively researched and authoritative. I was amazed at the depth of information and background in the introductory chapters including discussion of the materials, types of kantha, different areas and traditional quilting patterns associated with them.

Supplies and stitches follow the historical introduction and are well photographed and described. Motifs (with color diagrams and clear photographs) are followed by specific projects more or less in order of difficulty. Beautifully photographed and with clear finishing instructions, there are many lovely things including a bucket bag (bag with round bottom), notebook cover and a drawstring bag.

There is a gorgeous white on white coverlet/hanging and a meditation/affirmation project followed by a inspiring jaw-dropping gallery full of gorgeous photographs.

At the end is a useful, well arranged appendix with line drawn motifs and stitch tutorials. There is also a useful, well referenced glossary and further reading list.

Meticulous and beautiful, this book will absolutely stay in my collection.

This is a wonderful introduction to the world of Kantha, which is a form of ancient Indian embroidery that involves using a simple running stitch to create various motifs. The book talks a bit about the history and development of Kantha before delving into materials, methods of embroidery (which is based on the simple running stitch), and then projects and motifs (mostly animals and figures of people).

I enjoyed this book, but I would have liked to have seen more non-animal/people motifs, even if they aren't historically accurate. I'm sort of a newbie to kantha, and was hoping to see some traditional Indian design elements and patterns included in the motifs section, but besides some very basic teardrop shapes, there wasn't any of that.

And the projects are fairly simple- great for a beginner/intermediate, and good starting points, but in addition to starter projects, I would have liked to have seen more examples in the gallery at the back of the book showing really advanced designs, as well as work that is similar to kantha to show how kantha elements could be incorporated into other embroidery projects that are not necessarily focused on the kantha tradition.

All in all a good book on a subject that there is not nearly enough information on- I hope there will be a follow up.

Thank you Net Galley. What a beautiful book. I enjoy the needle arts and especially enjoy Kantha work. To my mind it is a beautiful way to upcycle/recycle one's old fabrics and preserve memories. The text is simple and the pictures clear. The art of kantha, and its philosophy, is introduced with some simple projects. A must read for anyone who enjoys fabric and needlecraft.

When I was doing my fibre art degree, I chose to explore kantha embroidery and I just loved it, my final piece drew many oohs and aahs, having said that, I would have given a lot to have been able to access the book like this.
This book covers the areas of stitching beautifully and it makes it look so easy - it isn't I assure you when you don't know how to place the stitches, or the designs that can be achieved with just a running stitch.
But what I really love about this book is that it not only has the traditional application, but also gives it a twist with the modern interpretation.
If you are into the slow movement in stitching, kantha is the ideal place to start, easy, slow with fabulous results - and you'll leave all your cares and come away well rested.
Love this book