Learn about the tradition of Siddi quilts and how well-worn and discarded clothing becomes the visual history of a family and helps provide a source of income for women of the Siddi communities in India.
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
Are you ready to explore making a quilt from the outside in? Join Jen Strauser and explore the art of Kawandi style quilting at your own pace in this on-demand class. Jen will lead you through everything you need to know, from selecting fabrics and tools to finishing your Kawandi style quilt. What is a Kawandi Quilt? Kawandi Quilts are a traditional craft practiced by African Diaspora peoples in Western India. Traditional Kawandi are made from recycled saris. They are constructed from the outside in, which makes them a unique change of pace from western quilting traditions. If you love the texture of hand quilting, you will love making Kawandi. It is also a fantastic way to use up your scraps. In this series of videos I will show you how to get started on your own mini Kawandi style quilt. I will demonstrate the techniques I am familiar with, from beginning with the finished edges, adding decorative pops of color, filling the belly of the Kawandi, and completing your piece with decorative phula. Over an hour of instructional videos are included, broken down into small portions for easier reference. Specific instructions for four different projects are included (coaster, place mat and baby quilt), along with the option for a bonus project bag pattern. Class includes a feed where participants can ask questions, which is monitored by the teacher. Skill Level. This class is suitable for beginner level quilters. No experience necessary. Teacher: Jen Strauser Supplies - more specifics are given in classroom Needle Thread Fabric Scissors
The Siddis who live in Karnataka, India are of African descent. Siddis women craft dynamic quilts, which they make for their children ...
Kleurrijke Indiase quilts met Afrikaanse invloeden In het zuidwesten van India, in de Karnataka regio, wonen de Siddis die hele speciale quilts maken: de Kawandi quilts. De Siddis kwamen oorspronkelijk, in de 16de eeuw, uit Oost-Afrika als immigrant of ze werden als slaaf door de Portugezen naar India verscheept. De Kawandi quilts worden door de […]
The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards.
I've been exploring the tradition of Kawandi and Siddi quilting recently and it is a breath of fresh air in my studio.
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
Quilts by Paula Fleischer, political and otherwise
Here are examples of artistic expression from two isolated communities of the African diaspora. The quilters of Gee’s Bend, Alabama are fairly well-known here in the United States. Especial…
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
“Working Happy Kawandi” is a small art quilt created using the Siddi method of quilting used by quilters in India of African descent. It is created by sewing fabric patches from the outside border row by row until you get to the middle. Kawandi quilts are usually scrappy. “Working Happy Kawandi” measures 23 X 19 inches. I named it “Working Happy Kawandi” because there is a scrap of fabric in the center that says “I love quilting”, and one that says “Happy”. I used yellow Pearle cotton thread to stitch the quilt because I wanted the stitching to show and become part of the design element. As is the case with all Kawandi quilts, there is a triangle of fabric at each corner of the quilt. The fabric on the back of the quilt is a print of African ladies. There is a hanging sleeve on the back for easy display and a label that documents the quilt. I attached a printed label on the front of the quilt because it was not feasible to sign the front of the quilt as I usually do. This quilt is one-of-a-kind.
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
Dear Liza, This week, I have learned about a whole new kind of quilting! It has been an adventure in history, geography, and craft. Kawandi quilting is from Western India and Pakistan, but it was b…
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
Month of September has been a mix bag here at the Shah household. In the midst of it all I offered Siddi Quilt workshops. Thanks to all of you who signed up, it was an enjoyable experience. Those who missed the workshops, with all your requests via emails and Instagram, I have scheduled two more workshops for the month of October. The supply list is on the workshop page. The time of the workshop reflects Pacific Standard time. You will have to check the time in your zone before selecting the session. You will receive a zoom invite a week prior to the workshop date. So excited! Click on the link and it will take you to the Eventbrite sign up page. For Friday, 10/09/2020 Click on the link below. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/copy-of-stories-in-stitches-siddi-quilt-104-tickets-122656529983 For Saturday 10/10/2020 Click on the link below. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-in-stitches-siddi-quilt-103-tickets-122148616801 I hope to see you then! Be well my friends! Sujata
Kleurrijke Indiase quilts met Afrikaanse invloeden In het zuidwesten van India, in de Karnataka regio, wonen de Siddis die hele speciale quilts maken: de Kawandi quilts. De Siddis kwamen oorspronkelijk, in de 16de eeuw, uit Oost-Afrika als immigrant of ze werden als slaaf door de Portugezen naar India verscheept. De Kawandi quilts worden door de […]
It is my lucky week and I want to share my joy with you all. Quilt from The Henry Drewal Collection Lately my posts here on the blog have been far and few in between. But I am happy to be sharing any information I can here about the quilting in India. There are two online events coming up within a week or so. I highly recommend that you sign up for both. That is if you are into any kind of hand quilting and hand stitching. The first event is about the Kantha Revival in Easter India and Bangladesh. What we know as quilter is kantha stitching but most have very little info on what an actual Kantha quilt is. This is a really good opportunity to view the film and join the conversation. Kantha of Bangladesh Tickets- $5-10 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kantha-in-bangladesh-from-hidden-corners-to-public-view-registration-140441196399# Here is another event of Siddi Quilts of India. It is a conversation between Dr. Henry Drewal and Dr. Sarah Khan. The quilts from their collection are in an exhibit at Cove St. Arts . It will be worth a drive if you are anywhere near Portland, ME. February 6 - March 27 2021This exhibition is co-curated by Henry J. Drewal, Evjue-Bascom Professor of African and African Diaspora Arts at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, who first saw kawandi while documenting Siddi expressive culture in 2004 and Sarah K. Khan. All of the quilts in the exhibition are by members of the nonprofit Siddi Womens’ Quilting Cooperative, which is keeping this tradition alive and vibrant You can also sign up for an event on eventbrite - click on the link below. You may not want o miss this at all. Soulful Stitching by Siddi's of Karnataka - Tickets $0-100 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/soulful-stitching-a-scholarly-social-practice-tickets-141232412949?aff=ebdssbeac# I would love to know what you thought after you attend these events. Have a great week! Sujata
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula
Kleurrijke Indiase quilts met Afrikaanse invloeden In het zuidwesten van India, in de Karnataka regio, wonen de Siddis die hele speciale quilts maken: de Kawandi quilts. De Siddis kwamen oorspronkelijk, in de 16de eeuw, uit Oost-Afrika als immigrant of ze werden als slaaf door de Portugezen naar India verscheept. De Kawandi quilts worden door de […]
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of West Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. This blanket is made from recycled offcuts of cotton collected from factories in Bangalore. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
Kleurrijke Indiase quilts met Afrikaanse invloeden In het zuidwesten van India, in de Karnataka regio, wonen de Siddis die hele speciale quilts maken: de Kawandi quilts. De Siddis kwamen oorspronkelijk, in de 16de eeuw, uit Oost-Afrika als immigrant of ze werden als slaaf door de Portugezen naar India verscheept. De Kawandi quilts worden door de […]
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
Class Sample
Kawandi is a style of quilt created by the Siddi people of India, traditionally done by hand. It is truly scrappy and improvisational. While I like doing hand work, I was also intrigued by faster machine methods. I've listed some resources at the end of this tutorial if you are interested in creating Kawandi by hand, want to see another machine tutorial, want to see some footage of Siddi creating Kawandi by hand, and a discussion of creating Kawandi in your own style. This tutorial describes a new way of creating Kawandi by machine. These are NOT traditional Kawandi, but inspired by the joy and movement of Kawandi-style. I started with a background piece of fabric approximately 8x10", a piece of batting of the same size, and many scraps of batiks or quilting cottons. 1) Place the background over the batting, right side up (this is a quilt as you go technique, so the batting is incorporated from the beginning. 2) Place 4 scraps in the corners, right side DOWN - NOTE I'm using batiks in these examples, so its hard to tell that these pieces are upside down. In this image, you are looking at what will be the WRONG side of those scrap corners. 3) Begin UNDERLAPPING adjoining scraps into the corners. Fold approximately 1/4 inch on the side that will go UNDER the corner. Again, the scraps are placed upside down. Pin the piece in place along the edge. This will be machine sewn. 4) When you get to the next corner, fold the 1/4 inch on both sides of the scrap because it will go under 2 pieces of fabric. 5) Continue folding and underlapping scraps, pinning along the outer edge until you get the entire edge filled. Notice that it doesn't matter if you use short scraps, or long scraps. And again, its impossible to tell from this image because I'm using batiks, but you are looking at the right side of the background, and the WRONG side of the colorful scraps. 6) Sew 1/4 in seam all the way around the edge, removing pins as you come to them. 7) Clip the 4 corners close to the seam, being careful not to cut the thread. 8) Turn right side out by flipping each scrap over the seam. Use a tool to poke out or pull out the corners. There should be no raw edges of fabric along the edge of the piece because they are either in the seam OR they are folded under. 9) Carefully press the outer edge - taking care not to press the batting, as it might melt depending on fiber content. 10) The result is a piece with finished edges like this: 11) Top stitch close to the edge, This will secure all the folded under edges of each scrap. 12) When you are on the 4th side, approaching the beginning of your stitch line, turn the corner about 1/4" or 3/8" before you get there, to start the 'spiral' of stitching. The next steps are done just like Kawandi by hand, but you continue sewing on the machine. 13) To place the next piece, fold under 2 edges. Finger press or iron as necessary. Overlap the unfinished edges of previous scraps. 14) to place a color into a long strip, fold under 3 edges, staying aware of where you will place another scrap to overlap. 15) To keep a small scrap straight as you sew over the edge, it may be necessary to use long tweezers or stiletto. 16) Continue placing scraps and sewing in concentric rectangles, into the center. Note: this picture is from another project than the ones above. 17) Prepare the final scrap by folding under all 4 sides, and sewing the ever smaller rectangles/squares of stitching. 18) For the piece made of batiks, I decided the center "squares" looked better on the diagonal. Although not traditional at all, I've already broken so many 'rules', that I just decided to make this mine. Also, I'm aware that traditional Kawandi have 'folded flowers' in the 4 corners. Include them if you wish. Make it yours! Paula RESOURCES: How to make a Kawandi by hand by Kieren Dutcher https://youtu.be/yFd0xEfKeto How to make a Kawandi by machine (with binding) by Mel Beach https://pieceloveandhappiness.blogspot.com/2019/03/modern-kawandi-making.html Margaret Fabrizio travels to India to learn Kawandi from Siddi quilters: https://youtu.be/WqdIswL96q4 Margaret Fabrizio shows her own Kawandi quilts, and talks about making them in her own style. https://youtu.be/4NRxqOqp_UA
The Siddi People are the African population that has been in India and Pakistan for the last 600 years. Read out the full story at Face2Face Africa!
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula
This quilt is similar to the Kantha style of west Bengal but is actually called a 'Siddi Kawandi'. The Siddis of western India and southern Pakistan are descendants of early African immigrants and of enslaved Africans brought to western India by the Portuguese and other groups from the sixteenth century onwards. These Siddi tribal groups are isolated in the jungle regions of North Karnataka. Quilting gives them a vital source of income. This quilt comes from Tattigere Village. Although the Siddis have adopted many Indian characteristics, there are still some cultural elements that are regarded as their own and of African origin. These include the making and use of patchwork quilts, known locally as kawandi. These are made by women and used as covers, mattresses and quilts. Kawandi are bright, colourful quilts often with haphazard or puzzle designs, although the use of blocks associated with Western style quilts is becoming more common. Traditionally, Siddi quilts are created for family members and used as sleeping mattresses in warm weather or as covers during the cool, damp monsoon season. Large quilts come in sizes based on one, two or more family members. A quilt for three or more persons is regarded as auspicious, as it implies a growing family with children. In addition there are small, baby-sized quilts that are often decorated with brightly coloured patches (tikeli). Kawandi are normally made of pieces of cloth from old, worn-out clothing gathered together by the quilters from family, friends or from items purchased at the local used-clothing markets. Some women incorporate parts of garments, such as the neckline of a child’s blouse or an old shirt (sometimes with the buttons still attached). Other women may cut the garments into small square or rectangular patches of brightly coloured cloth (tikeli). The tikeli are often placed on top of other, larger patches to create a series of layers in contrasting colours. When the quilters have enough pieces of cloth to make a quilt, a cotton sari is acquired and used as the backing for the quilt. Kawandi are often called patchwork quilts, but technically they are made in an appliqué technique. Starting at one corner of the sari, the women begin to work their way around, fixing the patches in place with lines of back stitch or running stitch, until the entire sari is covered. The stitches are seen as important, as they add a distinctive ‘rhythm’ that is regarded as the part of the ‘visual signature’ of the maker, along with the colours, designs, shapes and sizes of the cloth patches that individuals choose to use. The final step is to sew at each corner of the quilt one or more folded square patches, which form a multi-layered triangle called a phula, or ‘flower.’ These serve no specific function, but they are regarded as essential to a properly finished or ‘dressed’ Siddi quilt. A kawandi would be regarded as ‘naked’ without the phula.
