Input
- Materials
- Washed cotton fabrics, iron box, fabric markers, shears, embroidery frames, Kantha needles, thread
- Time
- 5 hours
Activity
Today began with selecting suitable fabric pieces for Kantha work, which were washed and laid out for future use. The team then took yesterday’s pre-washed fabrics, ironed them smooth, and precisely marked, cut, and stitched them together to prepare fresh base panels for hand embroidery.
As the work progressed, the exceptional accuracy of two artisans stood out. Their Kantha stitches showed remarkable neatness, speed, and confidence. We mounted their finished pieces into wooden embroidery frames and shared them with the rest of the unit. The display sparked an encouraging group discussion, with everyone examining the sample stitches and analyzing technique details.
Seeing such swift progress exceeded all expectations. To build on this momentum, the team agreed that the advanced artisans will mentor others by sharing their insights. Before wrapping up, the artisans collectively planned dedicated group practice sessions to learn from one another and refine their craft as a unit.
Output
- 3 Washed & ironed 6 cm cut panels, framed exemplar Kantha stitch samples
Outcome
Peer recognition shifted group dynamics. By framing and showcasing high-quality samples, the team developed a shared benchmark for quality and naturally initiated a peer-led mentorship model.
(Participants told us)
Learnings
Showcasing standout artisan samples creates positive peer inspiration, while scheduling dedicated group practice sessions helps bridge skill gaps across the entire stitching unit.